PUHI — A shipping container, which once transported goods, will soon be transformed into housing. On Friday, ground was broken in the footprint of a container, which will form the basis of a Ho‘ouluwehi Affordable Sustainable Living House Prototype at
PUHI — A shipping container, which once transported goods, will soon be transformed into housing.
On Friday, ground was broken in the footprint of a container, which will form the basis of a Ho‘ouluwehi Affordable Sustainable Living House Prototype at the Kaua‘i Community College campus.
Robert Steurich, the KCC Introductory Carpentry class instructor, and his students, just several weeks into class, will spearhead the efforts to transform the used shipping container into a home, states a KCC release.
The coursework will provide students with a full experience ranging from foundation work, some of which were already completed at the groundbreaking, through finish carpentry.
“As builders, we should always be searching for ways to build affordable housing and maintain the existing housing stock,” Steurich said. “Students will learn building practices and procedures, which result in a quality product.”
Eric Knutzen, executive director for the KCC Ho‘ouluwehi: The Sustainable Living Institute of Kaua‘i, said once the prototype is completed, the public will be allowed to view the model.
Other homes of this type will be built at a Ka‘apuni project near Kapa‘a Middle School.
“Just a few months ago, we saw a dented, used container,” Knutzen said. “Today, we can envision an affordable living home. This prototype is being built by Kaua‘i students, on Kaua‘i, for Kauaians, for the future. Our students will have the skill sets to further help address our housing needs and fill professional construction livable wage jobs here at home, to help address our housing needs.”
Imaikalani Aiu, the Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner for Kaua‘i and Special Assistant to the Director of the Kaua‘i Housing Agency, said the prototypes, which will appear at the Ka‘apuni site, will be eco-minded, featuring vertical wind turbines, photovoltaic and other green initiatives.
Knutzen said in addition to being a green house, the costs of erecting such a building is less than the existing models of affordable housing.
“This is what people really need,” said Leland Nishek of Kaua‘i Nursery and Landscaping. “It allows farmers to look at a more affordable means of worker housing.”
Making solid contributions toward affordable housing solutions on Kaua‘i has provided KCC immense fulfillment and purpose, the release states.
“This is just a beginning step in a really innovative and exciting project, which will benefit our students and the Kaua‘i community and demonstrates what great things can come when partners, the County of Kaua‘i and the different county departments, work together to improve our community,” said Helen Cox, KCC Chancellor, in the release. Cox was represented by Gary Nitta during the groundbreaking which was officiated by Rev. Wayne Vidinha of Ke Akua Mana Church.
Students in the KCC Introductory Carpentry class include Lloyd-Kekoa Agustin, Dwaine Albarado, Rogelio Casem, Yvinne Difontorum, Cullen Gutierrez, Edward Kummerling, Ariel Lothlorien, James Nishida and Kyle Redaus.
The KCC Ho‘ouluwehi: The Sustainable Living Institute of Kaua‘i, came about in January, 2012 following two years of planning which involved faculty, staff and students with community partners.
Ho‘ouluwehi offers an innovative Sustainable Learning focal point for the island by embedding sustainability principles within KCC offered curriculum, advancing partnerships with the University of Hawai‘i, government, private business, nonprofit agencies and individuals and implementing research and projects to foster a more vibrant future for Kaua‘i and fueling related employment vitality.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@ thegardenisland.com.
