Golfers will get a look at proposed changes for the Hilo Municipal Golf Course at a meeting today. ADVERTISING Golfers will get a look at proposed changes for the Hilo Municipal Golf Course at a meeting today. Hawaii County Department
Golfers will get a look at proposed changes for the Hilo Municipal Golf Course at a meeting today.
Hawaii County Department of Parks and Recreation staff will provide a presentation as well as seek input on the improvements now in the design phase.
The meeting is held at 5:30 p.m. at the County Council Chambers at 25 Aupuni St.
The work includes building a new clubhouse, replacing waterlines and restrooms, reconstructing four greens and other maintenance and repair work.
The county’s capital improvement program in fiscal year 2013-2014 listed golf course renovations as a $10 million project. Of that, $9.25 million was estimated for construction.
Funding for construction would be sought following completion of the design phase, a Parks and Recreation spokesman said.
Construction will occur over 12 to 16 months. The golf course, restaurant and pro shop will continue operating during that time. Pedestrian, vehicle and golf cart traffic may be rerouted.
The department expects to solicit bids for construction early next year.
The clubhouse appears to date back to the 1950s, and has extensive termite damage, according to the department. It will be torn down after the new facility is built.
Hilo Councilman Dennis Onishi said the improvements are needed.
“The whole place is termite eaten,” he said, referring to the clubhouse.
“The termites are holding that building up.”
The new clubhouse is expected to be larger, and Onishi said it was his understanding it would be two-stories tall and provide a community meeting place.
The facilities will also be made compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The 18-hole golf course is located at 340 Haihai St. and covers 165 acres.
Email Tom Callis at
tcallis@hawaiitribune-
herald.com.
