Filipino war memorial
nearing completionThe concrete structure in
Waipahu should be done
by Veterans Day
A memorial honoring Filipinos who fought in World War II will be completed by Veterans Day, the monument's builder said yesterday.
Lito Alcantra, of Group Builders, who is donating his company's services, promised to have employees work seven days a week, 15 hours a day to finish the memorial at the Filipino Community Center in Waipahu.
Veteran Art Caleda, executive vice president of the World War II Filipino-American Veterans, said his group sought to have the memorial ready by Nov. 11. "We're preparing the brochure," Caleda said.
Progress on the memorial was one of several reports yesterday by the center's board of directors to update the community on the year-old facility.
The board hopes to receive continued grassroots support in maintaining the center, which opened in June 2002. After $11 million in previous grants and donations, the center still owes $2.7 million for construction of the Spanish-style building. Monthly expenses run between $25,000 and $30,000, including salaries and maintenance costs.
About 50 percent to 60 percent of the expenses are paid by lease rent from nine tenants, but other spaces have not yet been completed. The center also rents its ballroom for weddings and parties.
Board member Eddie Flores said the monthly expenses are a heavy burden.
"Give us a call," he told about 75 people at the center yesterday. "I really need help."
Rep. Jun Abinsay said that while the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii had been undergoing financial problems, "We are the envy of many ethnic groups."
He said there are still growing pains, that many community leaders are under the misperception the center's work has been accomplished since it has been built.
Members of the board said that $1.1 million in federal grants cannot be used to pay down the construction loan. The funds must be used for new construction, and will be used for a technology center and kitchen.
If all goes as planned, the veterans monument, which will face Waipahu Street, will be dedicated at a Veterans Day ceremony.
There are a few details to complete, but otherwise the 10 feet wide by 6 feet high concrete structure has been designed to include a granite plaque. Its two pillars, symbolizing America and the Philippines, will be connected by a curving rainbow shape uniting the two countries, architect Oscar Paez Jr. said.
