LIHU‘E — The Kaua‘i Philippine Cultural Center has appointed an architectural firm to begin work on early phase project management. KPCC entered a contractual agreement with Ron Agor Architectural, LLC, according to a KPCC press release. Agor’s firm is set
LIHU‘E — The Kaua‘i Philippine Cultural Center has appointed an architectural firm to begin work on early phase project management.
KPCC entered a contractual agreement with Ron Agor Architectural, LLC, according to a KPCC press release. Agor’s firm is set to begin first-phase project management on the site development and design, said Lesther Calipjo, president of the KPCC Board of Directors.
“I am proud that the Filipino community has taken on such a visionary project to share and preserve its historical cultural impact on Hawai‘i’s amazing and colorful history,” Calipjo said. “In doing so, we open our welcoming doors to others who want to share the journey of their cultural roots to Hawai‘i.”
Agor is a licensed architect with 26 years experience in Hawai‘i and California. He was raised in Kekaha and graduated from Waimea High School, before earning his degree in architecture from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, Calif.
The KPCC Architectural Bidding Committee considered relative experience, knowledge of the construction area, and pro bono service as preferred skills to assist this long-term, nonprofit project. There were four architect finalists.
KPCC Board Member Oscar Portugal, who served on the architectural bidding committee, said Agor stood out for his experience. He designed Kaua‘i’s first homeless shelter, a drug treatment center, and other nonprofit projects relevant to the infrastructure stage of KPCC.
“Ron’s advantage is that he designed YMCA Olympic-sized swimming pool facilities, and he knows a lot about infrastructure,” Portugal said.
Portugal noted that Agor once served on the KPCC board and has provided many hours of pro bono service that helped the project get off the ground. He will also be helping out with the Environmental Assessment, and will design site infrastructure of the site including the parking and driveways.
The land connects to the shared property of the YMCA and the infrastructure that Agor has already designed, Portugal said. He will also design a smaller building on site to be used as an office for KPCC and the Kaua‘i Filipino Chamber of Commerce.
Fundraising will continue for the main cultural center building. Meantime, Portugal said the small building will be shared with other organizations. It is in the spirit of the KPCC mission to provide, promote and enhance cultural, economic, educational training, social programs, and cultural exchange in a multi-ethnic environment.
The land was provided by the Kaua‘i County Council on July 25. A 99-year lease was approved at $1 per year for the 3.5 acre site in Puhi, adjacent to the YMCA pool and Chiefess Kamakahele Elementary School.
The KPCC concept as “A Place For All” won support from Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho Jr.’s administration and the County Council. Phase one work began after the proposed project had its $1.5 million Grant in Aid funding request earmarked in this legislative session.
The later phases include construction of the cultural center and the request for proposals process will be held for each phase, Portugal said.
“Ron will act as project manager for now,” Portugal said. “We are looking at two to three years to acquire the funding for the main building.”
The feasibility study was completed in February by John Latkiewicz of the Kaua‘i Small Business Administration. He included various community organizations and individuals representing the island’s diverse ethnic community.
Latkiewicz is also working on KPCC’s business plan. It is a guideline for a self-sustainable venue and services.
Calipjo said KPCC will be a place for all to learn, teach, perform and be entertained. He said it is a place to celebrate the story of Kaua’i’s multiethnic history, its cultural values and heritage.
He said this goal requires a commitment and one that expands to the greater community that has a shared interest in supporting the KPCC.
“It will take several million dollars to build the KPCC,” he said. “We ask those who would like to be a part of this beautiful center to support our work and on-going fund-raising efforts.”
The second KPCC fundraising banquet will be held 5 p.m. May 11 at Kaua‘i Marriott Resort and Beach Club. A dinner with entertainment is planned to follow updates and presentations on KPCC progress and goals.
Visit www.kauaiphilippineculturalcenter.org or email kpcc2020@gmail.com for more information.
