The 1906 San Francisco earthquake struck less than a month later , before construction could begin . Rebuilding of San Francisco after the resulting fire caused building materials to become scarce and more expensive , causing delays and cost over-runs on the Hilo project . Finally ground was broken in May 1908 . In June Starbuck traveled to Hilo to oversee construction with workers he had selected . After a few months Starbuck and the workers were dismissed ; Fred Harrison from Honolulu became construction contractor . The cornerstone was laid February 18 , 1909 . The dedication ceremony was held on February 24 , 1910 . Construction cost ended up being double what had been planned . At the ceremony Moir said " nothing but the best would satisfy the boys " and called it " a substantial , fireproof , earthquakeproof , up-to-date building , first class in every respect , a credit to the town of Hilo and the Territory of Hawaii . " It was completed about the same time as the Volcano Block Building and S. Hata Buildings within a few blocks in downtown Hilo . Just to the south , Kalakaua Park serves as the town square , flanked by the historic District Courthouse and Police Station and Hilo Federal Building finished a few years later
1906 San Francisco earthquake
1906 San Francisco earthquake
Hilo Masonic Lodge Hall–Bishop Trust Building