Ground broken Head Start for toddlers, teen and family support services and job training in food service and computers will be offered at the $12 million Kuhio Park Terrace/Kuhio Homes Community Resource Center.
for Kuhio center
The facility will offer a variety
of job training and family support
as well as cultural eventsStar-Bulletin staff
Gov. Ben Cayetano and U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye joined in the groundbreaking yesterday at the Kalihi public housing complex.
The multi-purpose center, which will occupy 3.72 acres, will be developed by the Housing and Community Development Corp. of Hawaii with federal funds from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and U.S. Department of Labor. In addition to a 48,485-square-foot classroom and office complex, there will be a 1,200-square-foot pavilion in the style of a Samoan fale for cultural events and celebrations.
Residents of the housing participated in the five years of planning for the center, proposed by Inouye as a place that recognizes the diverse cultures in an atmosphere of service, according to a release.
The facility will be named Ka Hale O Kameha'ikana in honor of matriarchs and strong women of Kalihi families.
Organizations offering services include:
>> University of Hawaii Community Colleges' Employment Training Center will offer kitchen training and classrooms for a culinary arts program, as well as training in basic job skills and computer operations.
>> Parents and Children Together (PACT) will provide Early Head Start and Head Start programs and a Community Teen Center.
>> Kokua Kalihi Valley will provide medical services, language and cultural assistance.
>> Samoan Service Providers Association will offer job training and placement programs, business and educational development services.
>> State Department of Human Services will provide welfare services and counseling.
Constructors Hawaii Inc. is the general contractor of the project which is expected to be finished in August next year.