NEWS RELEASE
Kamehameha Schools moves forward on next phase of Keauhou Beach Hotel removal
Posted: October 26, 2017
Construction crews are mobilizing to begin dismantling the exterior shell of the old Keauhou Beach Hotel.
Workers inspect the interior of the gutted Keauhou Beach Hotel.
Interior alteration or 'soft demolition' was completed at the end of September.
Keauhou, Hawai‘i - (October 26, 2017) – Kamehameha Schools is moving forward with the next phase of transforming Kahalu‘u Ma Kai into a world-class educational and cultural center.
Construction crews are mobilizing to begin removal of the remaining exterior shell of the old Keauhou Beach Hotel.
Interior alteration, or “soft demolition,” of the hotel interior began in May and was completed at the end of September. All wood, plaster, glass, drywall and other interior materials were removed, leaving only the building’s exterior walls and structural framework.
Necessary permits have been obtained to begin removal of the building shell. No explosives or wrecking balls will be used to bring down the exterior walls. Instead, heavy machinery will be used to dismantle the building from the top down.
By November, the public should notice more workers and large equipment onsite and increased construction activity. Fencing and screens have been erected to denote the construction boundaries and warning signs will be posted. Work is expected to take a year to complete.
“This will be a major construction operation. During this period, we ask members of the public for their own safety not to enter the project site,” said Kaimana Barcarse, KS West Hawai‘i Regional Director. “We especially ask swimmers, snorkelers, kayakers and other water enthusiasts participating in water activities ma kai of the project to steer clear of the construction site.”
Kiewit Building Group is the project’s general contractor.
The concrete will be processed on site by first removing the reinforcement bar and then crushing and screening the material to the appropriate size. The processed material will then be recycled and reused as general fill material, pavement aggregate, and possibly material for drainage improvements. Building portions cantilevered over the lagoon will be removed in a manner so that debris, dust, and resulting particles are caught and contained using specialized curtains and screens.
“The construction activities will be noisy and dusty, but crews will be monitoring noise levels and wetting down the site to keep the dust in check,” Barcarse said. “We ask for the public’s patience as we work our way through the construction.”
Independent, third-party monitors will ensure best practices are being followed to protect water quality, endangered species, the environment and cultural sites.
“We are pleased that progress is being made toward the vision of an innovative, 21st-century educational complex that will serve as the piko (hub) for Native Hawaiian ‘āina-based, science, technology, engineering, arts and math education in West Hawai‘i,” said Barcarse said. “As we all remember the good times that families have shared within the walls of the hotel, we see a bright future and a solid foundation for a thriving lāhui.”
For more information, questions, concerns or complaints go to www.ksbe.edu/kahaluu_ma_kai, call (808) 982-0846 or email constructioninfo@ksbe.edu.
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About Kamehameha Schools
Founded in 1887 by Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, Kamehameha Schools (KS) is a private, educational, charitable Native Hawaiian trust committed to improving the capability and wellbeing of our people through education. Income generated from its endowment portfolio of commercial real estate and other diverse investments funds more than 96 percent of KS’ educational mission.
In 2015, Kamehameha Schools embarked on a bold, exciting voyage that envisions, in one generation, a thriving Lāhui in which all learners achieve postsecondary educational success, enabling good life and career choices. Grounded in Christian and Hawaiian values, learners will be leaders who contribute to their communities locally and globally.
At the heart of this journey are those who share this vision to ensure that all Native Hawaiians have the opportunity to succeed. Strong community collaborations, donor participation and key state, national and international partnerships are vital to creating the means to propel learners onto knowledge and career paths of their choice. Visit ksbe.edu for more information.
Media Contact:
Crystal Kua
(808) 345-5126
crkuabik@ksbe.edu
