COM 0013.002 1996-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I• Kawananakoa Hall Testimony to DHHL Oct. 22, 1996 page ~ The community I am speaking about reflects many small communities that equate to a larger one. First of all, the community consists of beneficiaries of the Hawaiian Home Lands Trust, who reside in the immediate vicinity: Keaukaha. This number of appro.~unately 434 leasees and their families has a potential of 2,000+ residents. Mother closely related community is Keaukaha Elementary School with a student population of approeunately 500. All 2, 500+ citizens aze able to use the ]united resources that Kawananakoa Hall offers. The outlying community that also uses the Kawananakoa Hall facilities is the Cit}' of Hilo. Our figures show that Kaw'ananakoa Hall services approximately 124.000 people annually. The mere numbers are staggering considering the current facilities. There aze no paved parking areas..Architectural barriers exist. The toilet facilities are outdated and inadequate. Athletic and other programs aze limited in part due to availabilit}' of space. Kawananakoa Hall is currenth~ under the direct management of the Count- of Hawaii. Department of Parks and Recreation. Although some of these mentioned problems will be addressed shortly, the fact remains, that our community has outgrown the current use of a hall. l~'hat we need is a g}lnrtasium. We are aware of the DHHL's appropriation of matching funds with the CoH's to expand needed space that will pro~~ide a study and computer center and kitchen area. This is maika'i. No one knows better, what this community needs than this communirv. The director of Katuazumakoa Hall, staff, coaches, parents, students, communih- users, have all been asked to give input to the design of a gvm. The}~ created a "Wish List". Their mana'o has been sent to a volunteer who is desinning and determ;n;ng the cost factor of a ~'mnasium. This should be completed in December.