Black and White Night in Hilo

November 9, 2009 - Hilo, Hawaii
VIDEO by David Corrigan

The boarded up store front along Mamo Street in Hilo was demolished on Sunday morning, as KTA Super Stores cleared its neighboring eyesore in preparation for a $1.2 million renovation to its existing business.

The razing closed the KTA store for the day, closed a lane of traffic, and drew a crowd of onlookers.

The building was constructed in 1914, and the store on the corner of Mamo and Keawe streets that was the home to Big Island Ohana Cafe is now gone with it.

The old building was reportedly too termite damaged to be repaired.

The Hawaii Tribune-Herald reported in October that KTA plans to add 15 parking stalls in the new open space, and will enhance the grocery storefront with a new facade on the Mamo Street side.