Whatever Happened To...
An update on past news
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Reopening of Makiki library delayed
Question: What ever happened to the Makiki Community Library? When will it reopen?
Answer: With ongoing construction, Makiki residents will have to wait until January before they can visit their library again.
The Makiki Community Library is undergoing renovation that includes new shelving, flooring and bathrooms that comply with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.
It was closed in December for the renovation and was supposed to open next month, but contractors met with "unforeseen circumstances" included deteriorated areas under the floor, behind the walls and old or faulty wiring.
"We've completed most of what was in the first phase, and now we're in the process of securing some additional funds," said Clifford Lau, facilities division chief for the city Department of Design and Construction. "We're hopeful that we will be able to do the additional work soon."
The initial cost was $1.8 million. Lau was unable to provide figures for how much more the city needs, but he said it is within the department's budget.
"We have current funds for this type of repair work," Lau said, adding it is just a matter of identifying the money.
Founded in 1977, the private nonprofit library at Makiki District Park is the only public library not run by the state.
The contractor working on the project is TEK Pacific Inc. The revised completion date is Jan. 17.
In 2005 the state Legislature appropriated $4.5 million in state funds to build a community center for the library. However, Gov. Linda Lingle decided not to release the money because the library is not a state asset.
This update was written by Star-Bulletin reporter Gene Park.
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