Timing crucial for
library in Kapolei

The library is slated to open in
July 2003 if funding is approved

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By Crystal Kua
ckua@starbulletin.com

If they build it, will it open?

State Librarian Virginia Lowell is crossing her fingers when it comes to the public library being built in Kapolei.

If everything falls into place at the Legislature this year, start-up money for the Kapolei Public Library will come about the same time the completed building is handed over to the library system, Lowell said.

"That makes it good timing with the legislative session," Lowell said.

The Kapolei Library project hasn't been a field of dreams as the project has been fraught with funding difficulties during the past few legislative sessions.

But construction of the library is expected to be completed by the end of February -- original completion dates were this past December and January -- and the library system is expected to take possession of the building by April 1.

Around the same time, Lowell said she hopes an emergency legislative funding request for $1 million for 24 positions, equipment and library materials will be approved. She said she's getting "real positive vibes" from lawmakers that all that will happen.

"The library is built and it's empty, and that's working in our favor," said Rep. Mark Moses (R, Kapolei). "I'm optimistic but I can't guarantee it."

Sen. Brian Kanno (D, Kapolei) said: "I think everyone is going to want to see the building be occupied as soon as possible, and that's clearly a priority for our community. We're fighting hard on that."

But it will take about another 18 months before patrons will be able to use it.

The new projected opening date is July 2003, according to testimony submitted Thursday to the legislative money committees.

That's because it will take time to hire and train new staff, purchase and install computers for staff and the public, and build a start-up collection of books and other materials, library officials said.

But Lowell said the July 2003 date is the latest the library would open and the time could be shortened if book ordering and other functions go faster than expected.

Which is why, she said, the current fund-raising campaign for the library is important in speeding up the process.

Lowell said the campaign, called Books for Kapolei, has already received nearly $100,000 in donations from area businesses and individuals and the money is already being put to use.

"We've already begun ordering materials. We're processing them, holding them on the side," Lowell said.

Lowell said that without the donations, she would have had to wait until the state funding was available before she could order books for the library.

"This has been a really nice expression of the community's support," she said. "It's the first time I've experienced such a strong sense of support from communities. It's not just giving money, it's providing donations of furnishings for a children's room."

She's looking at naming rooms and other donations for donors, she said.

"Even if they want to purchase a chair, table and lamp, I think it's a wonderful to have direct support," she said.

Lowell said the library system will be asking for donations of books once the library is completed.

"We don't have any place to store them," she said. "We don't want them sitting in cartons outside. Once we get title to the building, then we expect to have the capability to store materials."

Kanno praised Lowell for her efforts to get the library opened.

"We also feel good about working with the state librarian," he said. "Some time ago, there was some concern that there wasn't enough (capital improvement) money, but she's been also raising money. It's a good idea."

The Hawaii State Public Library System is also asking for an additional $1.7 million in next year's operating budget to maintain the positions and other library functions.

Other library measures this session include:

>> Designating $2 out of a tax refund for the library system, an idea that prompted the Department of Education to include similar legislation for a $3 donation for college scholarships.

>> Requiring background checks for library employment applicants.

>> Being able to contract directly with a private security company for library security. Security is currently provided through the Department of Public Safety.