HPU ties its expansion
to Kaneohe sewer link

Waste-water treatment poses an
obstacle to growth at Hawaii Loa

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Star-Bulletin staff

A sewer system expansion isn't the most glamorous project for a fund-raiser, but for Hawaii Pacific University, the expansion is critical to the growth of the 135-acre Hawaii Loa campus in Kaneohe.

In three months, HPU has raised $1.85 million toward a $2.85 million project to connect the campus's waste-water treatment system to the city's sewer system, with $1 million coming from the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation.

"The facility that we have is close to 100 percent capacity," said HPU President Chatt Wright.

The funds will also be used to expand and upgrade the residence halls and Academic Center.

The 135-acre campus sits between Castle Junction and the H-3 freeway.

"This is a very important project for us because once it's connected, then we can expand the Hawaii Loa campus and we're in the middle of a long-range planning process now."

HPU has an enrollment of nearly 9,000 students, with about 5,000 attending classes downtown, 2,500 at the residential Hawaii Loa campus and the rest at seven satellite campus at Oahu military bases.

Wright said HPU is committed to maintaining its downtown presence and is working with Fort Street Mall business owners and the Hawaii Theatre to improve the environment there.

However, the university's growth will likely take place in Kaneohe, he said.