Building Industry Magazine - January 2012 - (Page 58)

Hawaii County Dedicates Transitional Housing The first phase of a low-income rental and transitional housing complex in West Hawaii that also will provide job training and life skills opened on Nov. 22. Previously known simply as Kaloko transitional housing, the community was formally dedicated and is now named Na Kaulana Kauhale O Ulu Wini. The first phase, built by Big Island-based Isemoto Contracting Co., Inc., consists of the first 40 homes of the projected 96-unit complex along with a 2,600-squarefoot community center. Sitework began on April 27, 2010, followed by the start of vertical construction on June 4, 2010. Media5 Architecture of Honolulu was the project architect. “If we truly represent aloha, then we have to not just talk about projects,” said Mayor Billy Kenoi, who was joined at the blessing by members of the county Office of Housing and Community Development and Hope Services Hawaii, which will operate it. “We have to deliver.” Twenty eight of the 40 completed units are targeted for families who earn 30 to 50 percent of the area median income. The balance, comprised of identical two-bedroom, 750-square-foot homes, will be designated for homeless families who can occupy them for as long as two years, in return for in-kind services. Contractor selection for the next phase is being finalized, and the county hopes to start construction in the first quarter of 2012. Also part of the complex is an educational training facility, for which construction is expected to start in The first 40 homes of the 96-unit Na Kaulana Kauhale O Ulu Wini, previously known informally as Kaloko transitional housing, was built by Isemoto Contracting and dedicated on Nov. 22. the second quarter of 2012. The community also will provide case management, mail and computer access along with an array of on-site social services such as employment and life skills training, mental health services, counseling and childcare. The community center includes laundry facilities, a common kitchen and meeting area, administrative offices for the program operator, and a dividable multipurpose room for classes and meetings. The complex will be powered via photovoltaic energy, and when completed, 80 percent of the water needed for irrigation will be produced by an on-site wastewater treatment plant. On Nov. 18, Kenoi also formally opened model homes at Kamakoa Nui, which will eventually be a 1,200 unit workforce housing community near employment centers in Waikoloa. NewsBeat Participants of the maile lei untying ceremony include (from left): Sonny Shimaoka, pastor of New Hope Chapel in Waimea; Brandee Menino, executive director of Hope Services Hawaii; Elizabeth Maluihi Lee, area kupuna; Carol Ignacio, executive director of Office for Social Ministry, Roman Catholic Diocese of Honolulu; Steve Arnett, county housing administrator; and Mayor Billy Kenoi. Core Contract Signed The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) signed a contract with Ansaldo Honolulu JV on Nov. 28 for the Honolulu rail project’s core systems. The $1.4 billion contract includes the design, construction and delivery of the train vehicles and the train control systems ($574 million), and the operation and maintenance of the system after installation over a 14-year period ($830 million). It calls for the delivery of the first 16 vehicles in 2014, with the remainder due in 2018. “Our extensive review of Ansaldo Honolulu JV’s finances showed that they have the capacity to successfully deliver the core systems contract,” says Toru Hamayasu, HART’s interim executive director and CEO. “We have strong safeguards in bonds and guarantees to protect us. But more importantly, I believe we selected a responsible contractor with a solid commitment to delivering a worldclass system for Honolulu.” With this milestone, 50 percent of the rail project’s design and construction contracts have been awarded. With utility relocation under way, construction of the guideway is expected to begin in the first quarter this year. The first section of the system, from East Kapolei to Aloha Stadium is expected to open in 2015, followed by the second section, extending to Kalihi, in 2017. Estimated completion of the entire route is 2019. 58 | Building industry | JANUARY 2012

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Building Industry Magazine - January 2012

Building Industry cover
Table of contents
Datebook
BIA Installs New 2012 Leadership
Partnering for Smart Grid Project
Scholarship Opportunity
ABC Honors Best Merit Shop Projects
Contracts Awarded
Military
Best Practices
CCPI Resource Directory
Spotlight on Success: Submarine Drive-In Magnetic Silencing Facility, Beckoning Point
Hawaii County Dedicates Transitional Housing
IBEW Renovation Earns LEED Gold
Hyatt Place Opens in Waikiki
Forecast: Fairly Sunny with a Few Scattered Clouds
Concept to Completion: Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Renovations
Construction Preview Highlights
Good Neighbors
Low Bids
News Makers
New Products

Building Industry Magazine - January 2012