A groundbreaking and blessing for Hawaii Island Adult Care’s new 9,000-square-foot facility at Mohouli Heights Senior Neighborhood took place March 6.
The senior project is a joint venture between Hawaii Island Adult Care Inc. and the Hawaii Island Community Development Corp.
“Our success to this point is in large part due to the significant support we have received from the Hawaii County Office of Housing and Community Development block grant program, appropriations from the state Legislature and a large grant from the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation Inc.,” said Paula Uusitalo, executive director of Hawaii Island Adult Care.
Additional grants from local foundations and corporations have made it possible for construction to begin on the new facility.
“We are extremely grateful for their support,” Uusitalo said.
HIAC is operating in the old Hilo Hospital on Rainbow Drive. This present structure, built in 1923, is inadequate to serve the current or future needs for the growing day center during the next 60-70 years, Uusitalo said.
The new building will feature large open spaces for arts and crafts activities, physical fitness geared to elders and quiet indoor spaces for reading, socializing and relaxing. The project features a fully certified kitchen to provide hot meals, outdoor gardens and a wandering path. Construction of the new home for the program is expected to take 13 months.
Hawaii Island Adult Care is asking for added community support to pay for the commercial kitchen equipment that will provide meals for the seniors, furnishings and the completion of an outdoor walking and resting area. This and other related expenses amount to an additional $600,000 needed.
“This collaborative effort between Hawaii Island Community Development Corporation and Hawaii Island Adult Care has been a wonderful opportunity for our two not for profit organizations to ensure that our seniors are well taken care of now and well into the future,” remarked Keith Kato, executive director of the Hawaii Island Community Development Corp.
For information about how to donate to the capital campaign, contact Uusitalo at 961-3747, ext. 105, Kato at 319-2422 or visit www.hawaiiislandadultcare.org.
