PUHI — In the midst of ongoing construction at Kauai Philippine Cultural Center, KPCC board members celebrated another step in the project: securing money for a photovoltaic system.
“It’ll save lots on energy costs and it’s green,” said Paul Kyno, who has been involved in building the center from the beginning. “We’re already getting bids for designing the system.”
Officials broke ground on the center in 2016, on a
3.5-acre site behind the YMCA pool leased from Kauai County for $1 per year for 99 years. KPCC also landed a lease on 11 acres of Grove Farm land for $1 a year for 100 years for a cultural park and garden.
Seeds of the center started in 2010 when KPCC President Lesther Calipjo called for unity and the center’s creation in an inaugural speech. Fundraising started in 2011.
Now, a 12,725-square-foot building stands on that 3.5-acre site and the bones of office spaces, a commercial kitchen and an event hall are all getting fleshed out.
Fundraising has been ongoing to build the facility and many people have volunteered time to help with building at various levels.
“It’s taking a village,” Calipjo said. “None of us are trying to do this on our own.”
Last week, Gov. David Ige threw $500,000 of state money into the pot, which will be used to construct a photovoltaic system for the facility.
“This project is good for the environment, will save the KPCC money, and aligns with our mission to meet Hawaii’s sustainability goals,” Ige said in a statement to The Garden Island newspaper.
He continued: “I look forward to the completion of this center and congratulate Lesther Calipjo and the Kauai Philippine Cultural Center board for their commitment to incorporating renewable energy as part of this community center.”
Ige pointed out the role the Filipino community has played in shaping Kauai’s history, starting with the arrival of the sakadas, or skilled laborers, in the 1900s.
“They have enriched our economy and community life in many ways, and soon the KPCC will be a place where residents and visitors can enjoy community events and come together to appreciate cultural diversity,” Ige said.
In attendance at Thursday’s check presentation at KPCC were Sen. Ron Kouchi and Rep. Jimmy Tokioka. Both said it was a group effort to get the $500,000 in general obligation bond funds released.
“We had different legislators come together and help make this happen,” Kouchi said.
The photovoltaic system should be installed by Dec. 15, barring any delays, Kyno said, and construction work is ongoing at the site.
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Jessica Else, staff writer, can be reached at 245-0452 or at jelse@thegardenisland.com.
What about throwing in 500k for the homeless on Kauai?
“Last week, Gov. David Ige threw $500,000 of state money into the pot, which will be used to construct a photovoltaic system for the facility.”
State money? Let’s be straight about this…it our money, the taxpayers. So just how is it our responsibility to fund this edifice?
In the meantime, the roads are terrible and weeds clutter the roadsides. The state parks are a mess etc., etc. What a disgrace…what the heck it’s an election year so better to pander with non-critical expenditures.
RG DeSoto