2020-06-12 New Temporary Shelter Construction at County's Old Airport Park in Kona on Saturday -- press release v2 (2)

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Roy Takemoto Managing Director Harry Kim Mayor Barbara J. Kossow Deputy Managing Director County of Hawai‘i Office of the Mayor 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603  Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720  (808) 961-8211  Fax (808) 961-6553 KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokālole Hwy., Bldg C  Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i 96740 (808) 323-4444  Fax (808) 323-4440 June 12, 2020 NEWS RELEASE New Emergency Shelter Construction at County’s Old Kona Airport Park A new temporary emergency shelter, Na Lamakū, kicks off on Saturday with construction of 18 temporary shelters at the County’s Old Kona Airport Park in Kona. More than 50 volunteers, including members of the County Fire Department Recruit Class, will be pitching in to build the shelters. Tinguely Development has been on site all week, working in partnership with the County in prepare the site for vertical construction. The temporary shelters, measuring 10 x 8 feet each, will be ready for occupancy next week and will accommodate individuals experiencing homelessness. Each unit can house up to two people. Community outreach teams are working to identify and engage with eligible individuals, who could number up to 30 people. “We are so grateful for the tremendous generosity of Tinguely Development, who’s working on the pre-construction work pro bono,” said Mayor Harry Kim. “They tell us they’re doing this to give back to the community, and we deeply appreciate it.” The facility is being built with State and Federal assistance, which will pay for operation costs of an estimated $150,000. HOPE Services Hawai‘i is working in partnership with other social service agencies to deliver 24/7 shelter monitoring services, delivery of “grab & go” meals, and the coordination of on-site mental and behavioral health services. They will also provide case management to connect program participants to appropriate permanent housing. Sharon Hirota, the Mayor’s Executive Assistant in charge of homelessness, thanked the County’s Fire Department, Parks and Recreation, State Department of Transportation, Tinguely Development, HPM Building Supply, the West Hawai‘i Rotary Clubs and HOPE Services Hawai‘i and their partners for making Na Lamakū a reality. The shelters are expected to remain on-site through the end of the year, and by then a more permanent facility will be ready on Kealakehe Parkway. County of Hawai‘i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.