The University of Hawaii administration is recommending a 500-acre site in Kapolei as the permanent site for UH-West Oahu. Regents to vote on
UH-West Oahu siteThe 500-acre parcel near
the Kapolei Golf Course is
favored by university officialsBy Rosemarie Bernardo
rbernardo@starbulletin.comThe UH Board of Regents is scheduled to vote on the recommendation tomorrow at a meeting to be held on Lanai.
Allan Ah San, director of capital improvement projects at the University of Hawaii, led three regents -- Allan Ikawa, Ah Quon McElrath and Patricia Lee -- on a tour of the site yesterday.
According to an August site selection study, the 500-acre site along Farrington Highway near the Kapolei Golf Course -- favored by the administration -- has gained strong community support and has the potential for expansion. However, flood and habitat conservation studies, along with obtaining permits, could delay development of the campus.
Board members were also taken to a 16-acre site along Uluohia Street near the Kapolei Shopping Center which the administration wants to use for a temporary West Oahu campus while the permanent site is being developed.
At their meeting tomorrow, regents also will vote on a plan allowing the UH administration to negotiate for the site.
Based on the study, the site has adequate water, sewer, drainage and electrical utilities. Moreover, the Estate of James Campbell has committed to pay off-site costs for property development and lower initial costs to build the campus.
If the regents approve the 500-acre permanent site, it will reverse a previous action giving the designation to more than 900 acres mauka of the H-1 freeway.
Currently, the West Oahu campus is located next to Leeward Community College in Pearl City.
University of Hawaii
