THE FUTURE OF OUR CAMPUSES
Hawai'i Community College's mission statement affirms "we are committed to serving all segments of our Hawaiʻi Island community." This applies to the different demographics of our diverse community and the different regions of Hawai'i Island. In order to fulfill this mission, the long-term development plan for the College aims to ensure a 21st century learning capacity on all areas of the Island. While the College is projected to serve up to 4,000 FTE in the future, the wide geographical land distribution of the Island necessitates the College to have presence in key areas. This includes a main campus in the micropolitan area of Hilo serving East Hawaiʻi, a branch campus in West Hawai'i and satellite centers serving the rural areas of North and South Hawai'i Island.
Today, VPCC John Morton briefed the Board of Regents Committee on Planning and Facilities regarding the long-range development plan for our College. Specifically, Dr. Morton reported on the work of our consultant, PBR Hawaii & Associates regarding the site assessment and feasibility analysis for development of our College on three properties in Hilo. As I shared with you, these properties are Komohona, Manono and University Village. Attached to this message is his powerpoint presentation with more details.
In summary, PBR Hawaii evaluated and compared these properties based on 1) site conditions, 2) development potential and 3) costs. The results favored the viability of the redevelopment of the Manono campus.
Now, what can we anticipate as next steps after this briefing? It is our hope that through this report, the Board of Regents can direct the redevelopment of our Hilo campus. A $2 million capital appropriation has been requested in this legislative session. These funds will most likely be used to begin a design process with our Kauhale for the chosen site.
This is indeed a major undertaking for our campus. It is only fitting that we all have an opportunity to learn more about this project and participate in the deliberations regarding our future campus. I invite you to walaʻau with me about this topic. During this time, I can share with you presentations or documents shared during the meeting. I also would like to hear your thoughts about the sites, facility needs and the process. Come join me on any of these dates and time:
- April 5 between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m.
- April 6 between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m.
- April 13 between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.
- April 16 between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.
In the meantime, if I can be of further assistance, do not hesitate to contact me.
Mahalo nui,
Chancellor Solemsaas
