Momentum for the revitalization of the area on the Big Island’s Waiākea Peninsula picked up steam after Hawai‘i Gov. Josh Green signed an emergency proclamation in July to help clean up, secure and demolish the former Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel property.
For decades, Banyan Drive was known as the “Hilo Walk of Fame” because of the iconic banyan trees planted by celebrities, but now the area on the Big Island’s Waiakea Peninsula has become downtrodden and known more as a walk of shame.