Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel will remain open at least until Feb. 12.

The hotel on Hilo’s Banyan Drive was supposed to close Monday after more than 50 years in business, resulting in the layoffs of 27 hotel employees and 10 store workers.

“Basically we’re in negotiation with a local hotel operator that wants to take over the property,” said Aaron Whiting, hotel manager and grandson of William J. Kimi Jr., otherwise known as Uncle Billy, who opened the hotel in the mid-1960s.

The land under the hotel will revert back to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources when all four parcel leases expire March 14. The agreement would need the approval of the Board of Land and Natural Resources at its next meeting on Feb. 12.

On the Move

International Market Place has named Thai Phan facilities director. He has more than 15 years of facilities service and management experience, including as service technician and safety officer for Hawaii Energy Systems and district manager and building maintenance engineer for ABM Family of Services.

Carlsmith Ball has hired Andrew G. Odell as a member of its Real Estate, Land Use & Hospitality and Environmental practice groups. He was previously an associate at Cades Schutte LLP, representing clients in real property litigation and environmental matters.

DoubleTree by Hilton Alana Waikiki Beach has named Marjella Undine Homena Lasater director of sales. She has more than 15 years of sales and marketing experience including as manager in training at Anchorage Marriott Downtown, director of sales for Hyatt Regency Hotel and Casino Manila, and Manila regional sales manager for Marco Polo Hotels.