Construction of a new University of Hawaii campus in West Hawaii is a step closer, according to a UH announcement.
Construction of a new University of Hawaii campus in West Hawaii is a step closer, according to a UH announcement.
A University of Hawaii Board of Regents budget committee has recommended that $6.5 million in university revenue bond proceeds be re-purposed for the Palamanui campus development.
If approved by the full Board of Regents at its Feb. 21 meeting at UH-Hilo, the funds will be combined with the $9.31 million in private funds from Pālamanui partners and $7.5 million in state general obligation bonds.
The university is also working with the contractor to reach an agreement that would allow the project to be initiated with these available funds, in order to award the contract at $23.31 million.
“The Budget and Finance Committee’s action reaffirms the university’s commitment to developing the Palamanui campus, increasing the availability of college programs from both Hawaii Community College and UH Hilo,” said UH Vice President for Community Colleges John Morton.
The project entails construction of Palamanui’s Culinary Arts Building and the Health Science and Student Services Building. Construction will cover approximately 24,000 square feet and will include new classrooms, learning kitchens and science laboratories. These buildings will house functions servicing the culinary arts, nursing, and allied health programs, and student services administration.
The campus should support about 700 students and is expected to open its doors in the fall of 2014.