The area, known as ‘Anaeho‘omalu Kapalaoa, is listed as priority No. 1 in the 2023 annual report of the Hawai‘i County Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission.
The Hawai‘i County Office of Housing and Community Development anticipates bidding out the project, which would focus on repairing the dilapidated old hospital’s roof and removing hazardous materials, including asbestos, sometime during the first three months of this year. Construction should begin sometime shortly after a contract is awarded.
Bill 56 establishes standards for how the County awards what’s left of $20 million in flexible funding it received in 2019 from the Hawai‘i Legislature to assist with recovery efforts, as well as any future relief funds.
Heather Kimball, chairwoman of the Big Island’s legislative body, said the Council is “deeply, deeply saddened and heartbroken” by the events on Maui and that Hawai’i County stands ready to help.
The horrific mauling by a pack of four dogs that caused the tragic death of 71-year-old Bob Northrop of Kaʻū earlier this week has again shined a burning light on animal control issues that have plagued the Big Island for years.