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Photographs often are the best way to show dramatic changes in Hawaii, providing an easy update on landmarks, persons and events. At other times, however, photos showing minimal changes during the years remind us that the more things change, the more they remain the same. Look for examples of big and little changes every Monday in "It's about time," which will inform, update and prod a few memories.

By Ken Sakamoto, Star-Bulletin

The ‘Hemmeter Building’

The Royal Hawaiian Hotel, the famed "Pink Palace" of Waikiki, actually had its beginnings in 1872 in downtown Honolulu, on what today is the grounds of what's known as the "Hemmeter Building," above.

The property, at Hotel and Richards streets, was home to the Armed Services YMCA between 1928 and 1987.

The hotel site was purchased in the 1920s and targeted as a much-needed meeting place for servicemen.

Star-Bulletin
In 1960, the Armed Services YMCA was still a bustling
place for military personnel. Here, its beautiful facade
from the Hotel Street side.

Star-Bulletin

Under the guidance of San Diego, Calif., architect Lincoln Rogers, the old hotel underwent $800,000 in renovations, opening in 1928 as the Army-Navy YMCA. Here's a view of the then-new YMCA's pool, in March 1928. The pool is no longer in use.

By Ken Sakamoto, Star-Bulletin

This is a photo of what the pool looks like today from the second floor, looking from the opposite end.

By Ken Sakamoto, Star-Bulletin

Above is a picture of the elegant lobby area of the building today.

By Mike Tsukamoto, Star-Bulletin

In 1987, the building was purchased by local developer Chris Hemmeter for $11 million to become his corporate headquarters and underwent $30 million in renovations. That year, Edie Almeida, a former YMCA employee, awaited the final shutdown of the Armed Services YMCA.

In 1990, after Hemmeter decided to leave the state, the building was purchased by the BIGI Corp. of Japan for $82 million.

In recent years, the state has been leasing office space in the building and, last year, bought the property for $22.5 million. Gov. Ben Cayetano has said he wants to use part of the building for a new museum to showcase the state's collection of art.