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Special to the Star-Bulletin
This image shows the future Filipino Community
Center in Waipahu.

Filipino center
expected to boost
Waipahu business

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By Rosemarie Bernardo
Star-Bulletin

After 50 years of anticipation, Western Engineering Ltd. will begin laying the foundation for the Filipino Community Center in Waipahu on Friday.

"We wanted to start on Monday, but some members who are part-Chinese chose the eighth because it's a lucky number," said the center's president, Roland Casamina.

The grading of the land at the center's site, at Waipahu and Mokuola Streets, was completed last month.

"We're going full speed ahead," said Eddie Flores Jr., vice president of the Filipino Community Center.

The $13 million, 50,000-square-foot center is expected to be a key element in the revitalization of Waipahu, Flores said. Because the center is expected to attract many residents, businesses want to open close to the center, said Casamina.

Golden Coin Restaurant is under development near the site. Other businesses, shops and restaurants that open in the area will bring more jobs, said Casamina.

The center is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2002.

"The entire community from businesses and individuals are supporting it whole-heartedly," Casamina said.

Through fund-raisers and government and private grants, 80 percent of the money needed for the project has been collected.

Last Thursday, City Bank provided the Filipino Community Center with a $4 million loan to cover any additional construction costs, Casamina said.

Nearly two years ago, the city and the state provided a total of $3 million.

In conjunction with Catholic Charities and the YMCA, project coordinators are planning sports activities for the young and exercise and craft sessions for the elderly. Immigrant and medical services also will be provided, Casamina said.

In an effort to make the center self-sufficient, Casamina said, half of the building will be leased for commercial space. So far, West Oahu Realty Inc. signed a 10-year lease.

"We're very happy that this is finally happening," he said.

"We are eager to be a part of this historic moment."