Honolulu Community College’s construction and trades programs received a $30,000 donation from Ward Village that will provide essential tool kits for students and updated educational resources. This contribution is part of a $120,000 charitable initiative the company announced on June 2, along with the grand opening of The Park Ward Village.

“We are deeply grateful for Ward Village’s investment in the future of our construction and trades students,” said Honolulu CC Chancellor Karen C. Lee. “Providing our learners with high-quality tools, equipment and educational resources is crucial to their education, and this support helps ensure they are well-prepared for successful careers in �鶹��ý’s workforce.”

Other gift recipients included Residential Youth Services & Empowerment in support of its Beretania Street capital project, Aloha for �鶹��ý for Kona low flood recovery assistance, and Re-Use �鶹��ý for sustainability-focused reuse efforts serving Kakaʻako and Ward Village.

Adjacent to Victoria Ward Park, The Park Ward Village includes 546 studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes, as well as more than 30,000 square feet of new retail and dining. It is Ward Village’s ninth residential tower.

When Crystal Santos was incarcerated, she realized her life was not headed in the direction she wanted. Determined to create a better future for herself and her family, she took her first step by enrolling in a carpentry micro-credential course through Kauaʻi Community College in 2024.

“When I got out, I knew I needed to do something for myself,” Santos said. “I was nervous and intimidated. I was 45 years old, and I hadn’t been in school for 29 years. I was afraid because there was this younger generation here. But once I got to Kauaʻi CC, so many doors and opportunities opened for me. Kauaʻi CC helped me through every doubt I had.”

Waiʻaleʻale support

Her connection to the college began through her daughter, who served as a Waiʻaleʻale Peer Mentor. Santos applied to the first-year support program that provides mentorship and guidance to students transitioning into college life.

Through the Waiʻaleʻale program, Santos found encouragement to apply for scholarships, helping her cover most of her educational expenses while building confidence in herself as a student.

“At first, I thought I wasn’t going to be able to learn anything,” she said. “But I pushed myself, and honestly, I learned so much. I gained knowledge, confidence and motivation. I’m ready to get back out there and start over.”

Greater opportunities for women

Construction and masonry have long been part of Santos’ family history, and working with her hands and building things for others feels natural to her.

“I like helping people,” Santos said. “I enjoy going out into the field and building things up.”

When she started in construction in her early twenties, Santos was often the only woman on the job site. Today, she sees greater opportunities and representation for women in traditionally male-dominated careers.

“The female population in these fields is growing,” Santos said. “It’s opening new chapters and new doors for women to say, ‘I can do this too—and it’s fun.’”

Inspiration for the future

Santos will graduate in May with an associate in science degree in carpentry technology, and plans to continue at Kauaʻi CC, where she will pursue another associateʻs degree in entrepreneurial business. Her long-term goal is to earn a commercial driver’s license through Leeward Community College, and eventually open her own heavy hauling business.

She said the civil engineering technology components of the carpentry program had the greatest impact on her professional development and inspired her to continue earning additional certifications in the future.

“I have so much gratitude,” Santos said. “I can’t believe this chapter is coming to an end.”

—By Caitlin B. Fowlkes

When the Lahaina wildfires devastated West Maui, Michael Young, apprenticeship and trades coordinator at the University of �鶹��ý Maui College, not only lost his home but also saw the urgent community need for basic rebuilding skills.

“I grew up in Lahaina and saw how many homes were lost or badly damaged,” Young said. “People wanted to know if there were programs that taught carpentry, framing, roofing, painting—anything that would help them start restoring their homes.”

From that need, the Hale ����貹ʻ�� program—meaning “small shelter”—emerged. The hands-on initiative, based at UH Maui College, builds 8-by-10-foot portable sheds that are small enough to be delivered to landowners without construction permits.

Real relief

These sheds, which double as teaching tools for participants, provide essential storage and, for some, temporary shelter. To date, 58 sheds have been delivered, with 220 households still on a waiting list.

“This is a way for people to feel safe and regain a sense of stability,” said Moani Whittle-Wagner, an academic support specialist who named the project. “Drivers are often greeted with hugs and tears. They’re small structures, but the relief is real.”

An helps ensure Lahaina residents and displaced families have the skills and materials they need to regain a sense of stability. To make a gift, click .

Providing hope

The program offers more than just physical relief; it provides hope for long-term recovery. Lahaina resident Gene Castillo, whose family lost multiple homes, found both skills and a forward focus in the program, recalling the evacuation with his then-pregnant wife and young daughter.

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“Without her,” he said gesturing toward his now two-year-old daughter Zanel, “I think we would have been lost. She gave us something to look forward to.”

Hale ����貹ʻ�� is also rebuilding lives by offering pathways into the trades, bringing together credit courses, union apprenticeships and free community classes. A pre-apprenticeship program with the Carpenters Union reports a 100% placement rate, providing displaced residents with career opportunities.

“These sheds are more than wood and nails,” said Whittle-Wagner. “They’re hope in a time of loss.”

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University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa alumna Kiana Yamat is back at her alma mater. This time, the graduate and Miss �鶹��ý USA 2022 is serving as a project engineer for the construction transformation at the heart of the Mānoa campus.

Yamat runs the office team for Hensel Phelps, the construction company in charge of the Mānoa Mini Master Plan.

She plays a key role managing contracts, ordering materials and handling finances in order to make these major upgrades to McCarthy Mall possible.

“It’s surreal and it’s an honor,” said Yamat. “Using the talent and experience gained from school, we are building something that impacts more than just the campus itself.”

Giving back for future generations

A major part of the project is the construction of a modern building for interdisciplinary learning, which will replace Snyder Hall as the home of the .

Being a part of this opportunity is especially meaningful to Yamat, whose mother is a retired public school teacher with a special education background.

“Knowing that there are people like my mom that will one day influence the whole community, thatʻs a big deal,” said Yamat.

Paving her path

During her time at UH Mānoa, Yamat was grateful for the many resources and partnering programs that the College of Engineering had to offer. It was through the , which she was president of, that Yamat landed her current engineering role.

When Hensel Phelps presented to ASCE at one of their club meetings, it opened her eyes to civil engineering, a path she had not previously considered. Yamat connected with UH alumni at Hensel Phelps, who encouraged her to join the team.

Now, Yamat is on the other end, inspiring future engineers. Her company continues to partner with the ASCE student chapter.

“I want students to realize that no job is too small to be impactful,” said Yamat. “From the interns that we have on site all the way to the higher-ups, all of us are a piece of shaping something the public gets to see.”

—By Josslyn Rose

A free training program is equipping volunteers with the skills needed to help rebuild homes in Lahaina. The Habitat Maui Volunteer Academy, a partnership between the University of �鶹��ý Maui College and Habitat for Humanity Maui, provides five days of hands-on training in carpentry, plumbing and electrical work.

The program addresses the critical skilled labor shortage and fosters community engagement in the rebuilding process. Interested volunteers can register for the . No prior construction experience is required.

Lahaina homes

Since its launch, 21 participants—including Habitat Maui construction team members, community volunteers and AmeriCorps members—have completed the training. These individuals are now prepared to assist in Habitat for Humanity’s reconstruction efforts, which are set to begin soon in Lahaina’s Kahoma neighborhood. Six new homes will be built in an area where 10 previously constructed Habitat homes were lost in the devastating wildfires.

“Since the Volunteer Academy course was designed to support the rebuild, we anticipate seeing participants on our job sites as soon as construction begins,” said Kala Vallecillo, Habitat Maui’s community engagement coordinator. “Many will continue their involvement through H4H Pilina, our long-term volunteer program dedicated to fostering community engagement and skilled volunteerism.”

H4H Pilina provides kama‘aina volunteers with additional support, including childcare services, meals and gas mileage reimbursement. The program will hold weekly meetings from February through May 2025, with plans to expand if successful. Volunteers who wish to gain more skills will have access to the Habitat Maui Volunteer Academy at the start of each session.

Workforce development is one of the UH System �鶹��ý’s four imperatives.

Fifteen Kalaupapa, Molokaʻi residents spent three Wednesdays in September learning skills beneficial to the work they do, thanks to the support and guidance from the . Participants learned how to fix equipment they need to do their jobs with.

“This is the best college class I’ve taken,” said Rose Dudoit, one of the students. “The teacher was awesome. Many of us learn better through hands-on learning as opposed to traditional classroom instruction.”

The trip to Kalaupapa is one that staff members from the take at least once a year to share programming with residents and offer application assistance.

“During these visits we also gather input on what types of education programs they are interested in,” explained UH Maui College Molokaʻi Coordinator Kelley Dudoit. “The employees expressed interest in a hands-on small engine repair course so they can learn how to fix the equipment they work with.”

The residents learned these skills from Construction Technology Program Lecturer Lloyd Inouye. There are so many benefits to the participants in addition to being able to fix their equipment. It upskills the workforce, reduces waste and saves funds by fixing existing equipment rather than buying new.

Participants learn skills that benefit their lives outside of work, maximize their productivity and reduce delays in waiting for equipment to be fixed.

“We were thrilled to be able to offer this class to the workforce in Kalaupapa,” Kelley Dudoit said. “We realize that access to our programs may be difficult because residents spend most of their week in the settlement. It made sense to take the class to them. We’re grateful to the instructor, Lloyd Inouye, for his willingness to travel to the settlement to teach the course. We hope to be able to continue to strengthen our partnership and continue offering classes like these.”

Chancellor Karen Lee wants to blur the lines between academia and industry, such that both employers and students feel welcome on campus and confident that workforce needs for well-paying jobs are being met.

“I would really like that synergy to continue and to thrive,” Lee said. “I would love to invite all employers to join our industry boards. Our advisory boards are essential to our faculty doing a good job in teaching our students for the future.”

Lee became the chancellor of Honolulu CC in December, after serving in an interim role for three years. She presided over the 100th anniversary of the University of �鶹��ý’s oldest community college in 2020.

She began her career at UH in 2001 at UH Mānoa as the undergraduate coordinator at the Shidler College of Business. Lee also served as executive director of �鶹��ý P–20 Partnerships for Education, and UH associate vice president for student affairs and executive assistant to the president.

Enrollment at Honolulu CC is up 3.8% this spring, compared to last spring. According to Lee, Honolulu CC is a place with strong student support and strong teaching in diverse programs that range from trades and construction, cybersecurity, fashion technology, aeronautical maintenance and the liberal arts, to name a few.

“Success looks like a place where a student can dream and realize their dreams, and a place where faculty feel like they’re contributing to those dreams,” Lee said. “We encourage all students—young and old, male and female, out of high school, in high school—to come to Honolulu Community College.”

There are an estimated 22,000 deaths and 7.4 million injuries per year related to construction projects in India, costing the country an estimated $15 billion (USD). A new textbook on construction safety management, co-authored by a University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa professor, is designed to help both construction safety professionals and students learning construction safety management in India, with pertinent concepts for the construction industry around the world.

The textbook by Professor Amarjit Singh explores the following topics:

• Measuring and reporting accidents, as well as their investigation and causes
• Identifying hazards, evaluating risks, implementing effective safety policies and creating appropriate budgets
• Safety acts and regulations, and the responsibilities of stakeholders in ensuring zero accidents

“We all have a moral duty to each other not to allow any other to get hurt,” Singh said. “This often requires awareness, a training protocol, active supervision, continuous job site assessments, a motivation and incentive program, and appropriate contracts and company policies in place. The common person or student often doesn’t realize the hard work necessary to create a safe jobsite. So, this textbook is designed to make students and practitioners aware of the genuine needs of construction workplaces.”

The textbook was published by Pearson (India) and is available for purchase on .

A construction-related scholarship at has been seeded with a $35,000 gift to the University of �鶹��ý Foundation. In November, , the Howard Hughes Corp.’s 60-acre master-planned community, celebrated the topping off of Kōʻula, the neighborhood’s sixth residential building, with a check presentation to Honolulu CC Interim Chancellor Karen C. Lee.

The final steel beam was lifted into place after being signed by representatives from Ward Village, the project’s construction team, Hawaiian Dredging Construction Co., Honolulu CC, the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters and Studio Gang. In recognition of the construction trades and the individuals on the job site who made achieving the development milestone possible, Ward Village donated $25,000 and Hawaiian Dredging Construction Co. gifted $10,000 to establish the scholarship for students enrolled in program.

“We are grateful to Ward Village and Hawaiian Dredging Construction Co. for their generous gift that will support students as they pursue education, training and career opportunities,” said Lee. “Construction has remained one of the economic bright spots during the pandemic, and we appreciate the investment in developing our local workforce and job pipeline.”

The Apprenticeship and Journey Worker Training program at Honolulu CC provides related instruction and training in various construction and mechanical trades. In addition, the program offers learning opportunities to journey workers to upgrade their skills and obtain job-related certifications.

“The construction industry provides thousands of jobs for �鶹��ý’s economy, and we’re excited to contribute to the development of our workforce,” said Gerry Majkut, president, Hawaiian Dredging Construction Co. “It’s rewarding to reach this project milestone and give back to the programs that help train the professionals who make building a project like Kōʻula possible.”

Kōʻula will feature 565 studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom condominium units and was designed by architecture and urban design practice Studio Gang with interiors by design firm Yabu Pushelberg. Kōʻula’s name, which means “red sugar cane” in Hawaiian, was bestowed by Sig Zane Designs.

“We believe in working together with partners—private and public—to drive positive impact in our community and build a resilient future for our state,” said Doug Johnstone, president, �鶹��ý at The Howard Hughes Corp. “With the topping off of Kōʻula, we’re pleased to help further the revitalization of Honolulu’s urban core and strengthen our community in partnership with Hawaiian Dredging Co. and Honolulu Community College.”

With key support from two anonymous donors, matching gifts from Ritchie Mudd and the �鶹��ý Regional Council of Carpenters (HRCC), and many dedicated faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the campus, raised $168,000 in a few months, surpassing its goal of $100,000 by December 31, in honor of the campus’s 100th year anniversary.

“We are so grateful that our 100-year milestone energized our community and resulted in significant new support for our students and faculty,” said Honolulu CC Interim Chancellor Karen C. Lee. “Together, we are building a lasting foundation for innovative projects that will enrich our students’ learning experience and allow them to thrive after graduation.”

$50K for computing, networking

An anonymous friend of the college donated $50,000 to support the , which is in high demand due to the constant changes in technology and cybersecurity. The program’s hands-on learning approach and dedicated faculty prepare students for careers in cyber defense, computing, security, telecommunications and networking. This gift will ensure that the program remains on the cutting-edge and graduates are well-prepared for the workforce.

Founded in 1920, Honolulu CC is the oldest community college in �鶹��ý with a strong liberal arts program enabling students to seamlessly transfer to a four-year university, plus more than 20 career and technical education programs in a wide-range of in-demand fields. The college also offers a number of non-credit programs, including the , and hosts the largest program in the state.

Construction industry support

Ritchie Mudd, a local construction industry veteran and long-time supporter of Honolulu CC, established a new Honolulu CC Building and Construction Trades Fund.

“I’m honored to support Honolulu CC faculty and staff with access to state-of-the-art equipment, innovative projects, scholarship and professional development opportunities in the building and construction trade programs,” said Mudd. “We need to support our local students so they can get educated here and stay in �鶹��ý.”

HRCC generously supported , which was created in honor of the campus’s centennial anniversary.

“The construction industry is one of the state’s top economic drivers, and the community college system is critical to providing the continuous pipeline of skilled craftsmen and women needed to meet the challenges of this essential and ever-changing industry. It is important for us to fully support Honolulu CC and the educators of the future construction workforce,” said Ronald Taketa, HRCC executive secretary-treasurer.

Over the past 100 years, Honolulu CC has transformed thousands of lives by awarding tens of thousands of degrees and certificates, and offering a vast array of non-credit and apprenticeship courses. Through it all, its mission to provide accessible and high-quality educational and training opportunities to current and future generations of �鶹��ý is unwavering.

The Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) has selected Assistant Professor Norman Takeya as one of two recipients for the 2020 Mark Hasso Educator of the Year Award. This annual award recognizes excellence in construction management practices and honors individuals based on merit.

After earning his degree and working in the construction industry, the Hilo native joined Honolulu CC in 2006, first in the then transitioned to grow the (AEC) program. Takeya has led AEC students to national competitions all over the U.S. in addition to receiving numerous awards locally from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Residential Construction Management Competition. He received the 2015 UH Board of Regents Excellence in Teaching Award and, in 2016, the Outstanding Educator award from NAHB. Takeya is also a well-known master ʻukulele maker and instructor.

“I am extremely honored to receive this award, but it’s really been a privilege to teach and mentor the AEC students over the past 10 years,” said Takeya. “The local businesses should also be recognized in this award because they frequently refer students to the program, provide internship opportunities, and hire and promote AEC graduates.”

Karen Lee, Honolulu CC interim chancellor said, “Norman is always encouraging students to learn and excel with the newest technologies, and graduates are being rewarded with very lucrative jobs. We are thrilled that CMAA recognized his many outstanding contributions to our students and the construction industry.”

CMAA is dedicated to improving the nation’s infrastructure by advancing professional construction and program management worldwide. Award winners will be honored during , in October.

“Each of our award winners work hard to make a difference, and we commend each of them for their achievements and contributions to the construction industry,” CMAA president and CEO Andrea S. Rutledge .

The newest (UHERO) construction forecast indicates that �鶹��ý construction activity continues at a healthy pace, with a modest pickup over the past year. New and pending projects, particularly high-rise residential building on Oʻahu, will sustain construction employment near its current level for the next several years. Planned large-scale public sector projects will provide additional support. The primary risk to this forecast is a falloff in demand that could come from weakening local and global economic conditions.

Number of building permits issued has fallen

The number of issued building permits has fallen off this year. However, this reflects in part delays in Honolulu permitting.

Large number of Oʻahu condominium projects underway

There are a large number of condominium projects underway on Oʻahu or planned for groundbreaking, centered in Kakaʻako and near Ala Moana Center. Affordable housing is an important piece of this activity.

Home resale markets soften

Home resale markets have softened over the past year, with a decline in resale volume on all islands. This is putting downward pressure on resale prices in most markets.

Resort construction focused on large renovation projects

Large renovation projects and a few new towers are the focus of resort construction. The bulk of this activity is in Waikīkī, although major resort renovations are also underway on Maui and the Big Island. New hotel projects on Kauaʻi have been stalled for now by financing difficulties.

Upgrades and incremental additions to be focus of retail space expansions

The past five years have seen a considerable expansion of retail space, despite the structural challenges from online shopping.

Considerable projects forthcoming in public sector construction

Despite a steep falloff in government contracts awarded this year, there is considerable forthcoming public sector construction. The largest projects are on Oʻahu, including rail transit, planned redevelopments of Aloha Stadium and the Neal S. Blaisdell Center, and the expansion and updating of facilities at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.

Enforcement on vacation rentals bring uncertainty

An uncertainty that has been added to the mix is the City and County of Honolulu’s crackdown on transient vacation rentals. The new enforcement actions have already reduced the available stock of visitor accommodations, which may support resort-related development.

Outlook is favorable but not immune

While the outlook remains favorable for continued construction near current levels, the industry is not immune to adverse economic developments here or beyond our shores. The weakening local economy could undercut local demand, and the global slowdown is a concern for offshore demand and project funding. At the same time, lower interest rates are a clear positive, as is the resilience so far of U.S. consumer spending.

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More than 15 soon-to-be released or furloughed inmates incarcerated at the Maui County Correctional Center recently completed approximately 56 hours of workforce industry training from the at the .

Through a partnership with the state Department of Public Safety, participants completed prep cook, building maintenance and construction classes, as they showcased their skills at a luncheon on February 21 to mark the culmination of the program.

“The classes provided an opportunity to learn industry-standard procedures, as well as practical application of math, such as measuring ingredients for recipes, which are crucial skills expected in the workplace,” said Dean Louie, chef instructor for his seventh prep cook cohort. “More importantly, the classes instill the value of professionalism, ethics and reliability in careers.”

Prep cook students earned a certificate of professional development and the ServSafe Food Handler Certification. They now have the fundamental skills to work as service prep workers or pantry cooks in the hospitality or food industry.

Meanwhile, students from the building maintenance and construction class trained in using standard hardware tools, while applying safety skills they learned to carpentry, electrical, plumbing and blueprint reading. The class provided essential skills training should they want to apply for a construction apprenticeship.

“The students now have more confidence because of their experience in the program, and can better assimilate back in the workforce, giving them a second shot to be successful in life,” said Mike Young, apprenticeship coordinator and instructor for the class. “We feel fortunate to have this opportunity to make a positive influence, and wish our students all the best as they begin a new life in the workforce.”

To support these programs and for more information, email Edvmaui@hawaii.edu or call (808) 984-3231.

—By Kit Furukawa

Following two years of decline, the pace of building in �鶹��ý has stabilized. The value of construction permits is posting healthy gains across all sub-sectors this year, and projects either planned or in the pipeline will maintain construction activity near its current level through the end of the decade.

• The industry continues to produce both low and high rise residential structures at a steady pace. On Oʻahu, condo building has spread from Kakaʻako to Ala Moana, and next year Koa Ridge will join Hoʻopili in single-family home construction. Residential building on the neighbor islands is proceeding at a more restrained pace.
• Sales of existing homes have slowed a bit on Oʻahu and �鶹��ý Island, consistent with early signs of national real estate cooling. However, sales gains are being recorded on Maui and Kauaʻi.
• Continuing strong performance of the tourism industry will sustain relatively high levels of resort renovation and new development.
• The public sector will continue to provide important support for the construction industry. Large scale projects include renovations and expansions of airports, roads and public utilities.
• As activity in the industry has retreated from its peak, price pressures have eased, and construction costs posted an outright decline in the first half of this year. But solid national demand for building materials, import tariffs, and rising energy prices will push construction costs higher in coming years.
• Following two years of decline, real income and employment in the industry will begin to edge higher next year.
• With the economic upswing in its eighth year, the downside risks are material, even if a recession is not yet in sight. Uncertainty about government policy and the business environment may weigh on investment plans. At the same time, persistently buoyant U.S. economic conditions could support stronger than anticipated construction growth.

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is looking a little brighter this fall. The highly used thoroughfare leading up to Hamilton Library, Kennedy Theatre and a number of other buildings at the just completed a facelift over the summer. Recommendations by the newly-created Mānoa Campus Brightening Task Force, a partnership comprised of staff and students, identified areas in need of repair and improvements such as McCarthy Mall.

The project was completed in four weeks and consisted of repairing, painting, planting and power washing buildings, stairs, benches and walkways, including:

• McCarthy Mall concrete walkway repair
• McCarthy Mall planters repair and paint
• McCarthy Mall raised bed benches paint
• Bilger Hall exterior paint
• Hamilton Library concrete stairs repair
• Hamilton Library wall exterior paint
• Snyder Hall entryway power wash and paint

Future projects along McCarthy Mall are currently being considered by the group, which may include modifications to the Webster Hall trellis and entry courtyard, and painting of the exterior walls of Keller Hall and the Art Building.

“The Mānoa Campus Brightening pilot project identified critical areas along McCarthy Mall that improved the appearance and safety of the mall for our campus community,” said Blake Araki, UH director of campus operations and facilities. “I’ve been seeing the raised benches being used more often by students, and that’s a good sign that the project is making an impact.“

The task force members are part of the Office of the Vice President for Administration and the , which provides service learning and professional development opportunities for students, in UH ����ԴDz�’s .

There will be a number of construction projects on the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa campus over the summer months, as the university continues its mission to improve the student experience. Although disruption is expected to be minimal, students, faculty and staff are asked to be aware of the projects and to plan accordingly.

McCarthy Mall access limited for Life Sciences and Kennedy Theatre parking lot projects

The Diamond Head, or east end, of McCarthy Mall by Kennedy Theatre will be closed for about three months to accommodate two projects—the construction of the Life Sciences building and repaving of the Kennedy Theatre parking lot. Access to East-West Road from McCarthy Mall will be blocked. Pedestrians can access the areas via Moore Hall and Maile Way. McCarthy Mall and the theatre parking lot, with about 120 stalls, are expected to reopen before the start of the fall 2018 semester.

The mall will be blocked to allow workers to remediate soil that contains chlordane from the Life Sciences site, in preparation for a four-story, 45,000-square-foot facility. In a plan approved by the Department of Health, the soil with chlordane will be relocated under the parking lot for permanent, safe storage. Chlordane was a commonly used termite treatment chemical until it was banned in 1988.

The Life Sciences building design is currently being finalized, and construction is expected to begin in the fall 2018 semester. The state-of-the-art facility will include classrooms, teaching and research laboratories, laboratory support and office spaces that will serve 1,000 students weekly and house more than 80 faculty members and graduate students.

Warrior Recreation Center repair and improvements

The first and second floors of the basketball/volleyball court area of the Warrior Recreation Center will be closed for about two months to repair sections of the court floor. The existing court light fixtures will also be replaced with more efficient LED lights, and some of the interior walls will be repainted causing a temporary closure of the indoor track and spin room. There will be work on the exterior of the building, including repairing plaster walls, adding flashing to the roof parapet walls and installing electrical connections to the courtyard and entrance controls to the centerʻs front door.

The rest of the center will be open during the project, and the work is expected to be completed by the start of the fall 2018 semester, if not sooner.

Law School Outreach Center and Saunders Hall projects nearing completion

Construction of the Community Legal Outreach Center at the William S. Richardson School of Law on the corner of Dole Street and Lower Campus Road will continue through the summer. The center is expected to be completed by the end of the fall 2018 semester. The two-story, 6,000-square-foot center will serve as a space for law school students and faculty to provide clinical services to the community.

The exterior repairs to Saunders Hall are expected to be completed in spring 2019. The project also includes re-roofing, new traffic coating, glazing, installation of new doors and locks and bathroom renovations.

New walkway for popular campus entrance

The walkway between the School of Law and Law Library will be repaved from the parking structure to Dole Street starting May 14. Limited access will be available from the parking structure to Dole Street, and construction is expected to be completed by the start of the fall 2018 semester.

Other summer capital improvement projects:

• Renovation of Bilger Hall classrooms 319 and 337 that will start in mid-May
• The demolition of Buildings 1 and 2 on Metcalf Street tentatively scheduled to begin in June
• Renovation of Gym 2 on lower campus that will include new floors, AC, photovoltaic, repainting and athletic equipment tentatively scheduled to begin in June
• Renovation of the home team locker room at the Les Murakami Stadium tentatively scheduled to begin in late May
• Replacing the mechanical systems for the two pools at the Duke Kahanamoku Complex

Professor Gene Harada has been recognized with the University of �鶹��ý Willard Wilson Award for Distinguished Service. He is a proud �鶹��ý CC alumnus and has taught at the school for almost 27 years. He is described as a true mentor to his students, training them to be professional, to show up on time and to do things right the first time.

Harada is the longtime coordinator of the highly popular on the Big Island, which recently completed its 50th project. The model home partnership with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands provides affordable homes for local families and showcases the skills of �鶹��ý CC students.

About two dozen of Harada’s current and former students and some family members attended the award presentation at a Board of Regents meeting at UH Hilo in February 2018. Harada called the moment “unbelievable,” and said he felt honored.

He has completed hundreds of projects over the years with his carpentry students. He dedicates his summer vacations doing repair and renovation work at both �鶹��ý CC and , saving thousands of dollars in maintenance costs for the campuses, and giving students valuable hands-on experience.

His affection for his students is evident. “They are my inspiration, letʻs put it that way,” Harada said. “As long as they want to learn, I will be willing to teach them. If I cannot climb on the roof, maybe it is time to retire. I can still climb the roof.”

Harada’s colleagues say that “the professional manner in which his students conduct themselves, and their skillful workmanship is a testament to Geneʻs tireless efforts to raise the bar on quality standards and instill in his students a sound work ethic. He is truly someone that practices ʻold schoolʻ work ethic, integrity and honesty.”

He is described as a stellar and dedicated team player, a proud and loving grandpa and a dedicated fisherman.

The Willard Wilson award,named in honor of a long-time former UH administrator and secretary to the Board of Regents, recognizes exemplary service to UH by an employee.

A new area for students to eat, talk story and recharge their electronic devices is now open outside the Sciences and Technology Building at the . The new gathering place has several tables, each with a solar charging station, a new food vendor serving Mexican cuisine and 15-minute parking spaces.

Each charging station has one 110V outlet for laptops and two USB ports for cell phones. Each station has a 30-minute timer to conserve solar energy stored in batteries when not in use. Timers can be re-activated in 30-minute intervals as needed. The prototype uses one solar panel and battery storage, which can be easily expanded in the future if demand for solar energy to use electronic devices exceeds current capacity.

The project—in sync with UH Hilo’s strategic plan and supported by Interim Chancellor Marcia Sakai and Interim Vice Chancellor for Administrative Affairs Kalei Rapoza—is part of two larger long-term initiatives underway at UH Hilo: 1) to create comfortable spaces for students to gather and recharge themselves and their tech devices, and 2) to make the campus more sustainable in its energy use.

A team effort

Last fall, UH Hilo information technologist Dave “Moku” Baptiste proposed the idea of a solar-powered gathering place, having been inspired by similar projects at other universities. But the total cost to purchase, deliver and install a four-seat solar panel picnic table charging station originating from the mainland was estimated at $18,000 per table.

With some creative thinking and collaborative efforts, the cost to produce comparable stations (with six to eight seats) was brought down significantly to approximately $2,000 each. The new solar charging stations were built through a collaboration between UH Hilo and .

“Lots of really great people collaborated on this project,” said Brenda Hamane, director of special projects at the UH Hilo Office of Administrative Affairs.

“[The project] is reflective of the wealth of talent and creative skills that we have here at UH Hilo and �鶹��ý Community College,” Hamane said. “UH Hilo’s long standing collaborative work relationship with our supportive partners at �鶹��ý CC carpentry program continues to produce quality workmanship from �鶹��ý CC students throughout the years, to include the solar powered picnic tables that UH Hilo could not have otherwise afforded given current budget constraints.”

She added, “The creation of this prototype is the first of many solar powered outdoor furniture that could be designed and constructed in-house.”

For more on the new gathering place go to .

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—By Susan Enright

10×12 foot tiny house rests in lush greenery just above a flume of clean flowing water built by Grove Farm and the campus’ loʻi.

“The house framing is up, the side panels are up and most of the roof is up as well,” said Carpentry Instructor Justin Carvalho, who has been working with students in the carpentry and facilities engineering, and electrical installation and maintenance programs to build a house based on renewable energy and sustainability using alternative materials.

Carvalho and his students are striving to build a home that would be affordable to construct and would promote healthy green living in communities. They applied basic construction skills to reuse local and abundant materials and integrate compactness with multi-functional living.

Carvalho said he wanted to “challenge the public to to think about how we can live with more sustainability in the future.“ He assembled sustainability-minded members from the County of Kauaʻi, Kauaʻi CC and construction industry professionals to design the unique project. “Kauaʻi is our home and we are committed to protecting and nourishing it for now and the future,” he said.

Tiny and efficient

The roof of the tiny house will be a green garden and the house will have a pond to grow local plants. It will be a “no maintenance garden,” said Carvalho. It will also have a compost toilet system with a full bath, shower and kitchen, and the top floor will contain beds and storage.

The Kauaʻi CC tiny house will be powered by the campus hydro-electric station that produces DC energy, which will charge the battery bank to use an inverter to convert DC to AC energy. Leading this phase is Daniel Erickson, the instructor who teaches the sustainable science management course in basic energy production, wastewater management and culinary sustainability. “I am very excitied about what we are doing,” Erickson said. “We are making one micro self-contained grid.”

James Andrews, Kauaʻi CC instructor and his electrical installation and maintenance technician program students will be installing the electrical utility and house wiring. “The best thing our students are learning is to work together with other trades to successfully complete a project,” Andrews said.

The tiny house project is supported by generous donations to the college to promote a healthy Kauaʻi. Construction is slated to be completed fall 2017.

“Anything we can do to enhance a healthy and robust lifestyle on Kauaʻi is part of our mission,“ said Kauaʻi CC Chancellor Helen Cox. “Our tiny house project is a perfect fit,“ she said.

—By Camilla Matsumoto

Impromptu hula generated sunny smiles, as dedicated the college’s 50th built by students and handed the keys to the new homeowner, Luana Dang and her family.

“�Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ�� Community College is nō ka ʻoi,” said Dang. “I hope my grandchildren come here.”

Students in five �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ�� CC programs built the home. More than 4,000 students have participated since the Model Home project was established in 1965, to give students in construction trade programs a hands-on learning experience.

• Related: �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ�� CC reunion celebrates 50 years of model homes, April 13, 2017

“You just learn so many world experiences,” said student Keoki Baily. “After this you can go outside and build your own house.”

“This project has meant a lot to me because it helps us to get ready for the outside field of work,” said student Tyson Ah Puck.

The acts as the developer, while �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ�� CC provides the skilled labor at no cost, resulting in an affordable home for a local family.

Carpentry Professor Gene Harada, who built model homes as a student and graduated from �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ�� CC in 1975, is a shining example of how the program continues to give back to the community.

“We’ve been very fortunate that so far I have 15 past graduates since 1991 that have gotten their contractors license and they are coming back to hire our students,” said Harada.

Here’s to the next 50 years, �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ�� Community College!

See at the �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ�� CC flickr.

—By Kelli Trifonovitch