LIHU‘E — The proposed Filipino Community Center cleared its last hurdle at the Kaua‘i County Council to secure land for the project Wednesday. “From the very get-go the Filipino community took charge of this project, but also emphasized it will
LIHU‘E — The proposed Filipino Community Center cleared its last hurdle at the Kaua‘i County Council to secure land for the project Wednesday.
“From the very get-go the Filipino community took charge of this project, but also emphasized it will be a place for all,” Councilman Dickie Chang said.
After sorting out legal and technical details in the official document, the council unanimously approved a 99-year license agreement with the Kaua‘i Philippine Cultural Center. The agreement will allow KPCC to rent from the county the land adjacent to YMCA in Puhi at $1 per year and help the nonprofit to leverage funding and grant assistance to build a Filipino Community Center there.
The council’s decision caused the audience at the council chambers to erupt in applause.
Several community members, including many who were not of Filipino ancestry, testified at the council on July 18. All of them supported the center. But the council opted to defer decision for two weeks to sort out some technical problems and to find out where would the administration build a skateboard park previously slated for the land in question.
Deputy County Attorney Ian Jung said he talked with county Parks and Recreation Director Lenny Rapozo, who told him he would look at alternative locations for the skateboard park, including Nawiliwili and Vidinha Stadium, although no formal proposal has been made.
“I would like to ask for the administration to move up with due speed with the skateboard park for the young people,” Council Vice Chair JoAnn Yukimura said.
One at a time, all council members spoke in support of the community center.
During final deliberations, Yukimura thanked all parties involved, including KPCC for holding on to its vision and moving deliberately, yet boldly.
“Your vision is tantalizing — it’s about perpetuating and honoring the Filipino culture,” she said.
Councilman Mel Rapozo said the county is making a “huge investment,” which he fully supports. But he also said the center won’t happen overnight, unearthing a clause in the license agreement giving KPCC 10 years to complete construction of the community center. The value of the land is about $1.5 million, according to Jung.
Council Chair Jay Furfaro said Kaua‘i’s state legislators worked in Honolulu to obtain state funds, but money could not be released without the land.
Right before the roll call vote, Furfaro said he would be looking for an unanimous decision, because he would be challenging all council members and the staff at the County Attorney’s Office to a dance when the building is finished. Furfaro’s sense of humor caused all at the council chambers to laugh.
After the unanimous decision, someone yelled “salamat,” which means “thank you” in Tagalog and other Filipino languages.
• Léo Azambuja, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 252) or lazambuja@ thegardenisland.com.
