Navy plans to renovate
admiral’s quarters

$500,000 will be used to upgrade
kitchens and steward's area, and
bring the home up to code

By Gregg K. Kakesako
Star-Bulletin

The Navy wants to spend $517,879 more to renovate the 57-year-old Makalapa Crater quarters of the Pacific Fleet commander, Adm. Archie Clemins.

The money will be used to upgrade two kitchens -- one used to cater large functions -- and a steward's area in the admiral's home.

This is in addition to the $176,625 the Navy has spent since November 1996, when Clemins moved into the two-story, four-bedroom home at Quarters 37 Makalapa Drive.

Last year the Navy rejected a private consultant's $1.3 million proposal to upgrade the home, which the Navy said was in need of repairs because it "does not meet current building and safety codes."

Instead, the Navy paid Design Partners another $64,5000 in August to come up with second set of plans.

Under the initial $1.3 million proposal, two kitchens at Quarters 37 were supposed to be renovated -- one was to be enlarged to ease the catering and entertaining chores that Clemins has to do as Pacific Fleet commander. The Navy said PER, Inc. will perform the modernization work, which will start March 29 and will be completed by July 14. Besides new plumbing, electrical and air-conditioning work, the renovation contract calls for new cabinets, countertops, flooring, windows and equipment.

In addition to renovating Clemins' home, the Navy also has spent $528,000 to remodel Clemins' office, which included a $30,000 marble-tiled bathroom, $12,000 for new carpets, $3,000 for an etched-glass shower and $54,000 for a new kitchen.

For the past three years, the Navy has spent $176,625 to upgrade the 6,452-square foot Quarters 37 home. This includes:

$39,019 to retile a 1,430-foot lanai and rebuild a 7-foot fishpond.

$12,286 to install a solarium door on the second floor.

$37,428 to fix two bathrooms.

$16,703 for a lanai fence.

$19,000 for air conditioning.

$10,497 for kitchen and other repairs and equipment.