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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Saturday, July 20, 2002

Regents authorize China center lease

By Beverly Creamer
Advertiser Education Writer

A proposed U.S.-China Center, to be built in Hilo on 33 acres adjacent to the University of Hawai'i-Hilo campus, took a giant step forward yesterday when the UH Board of Regents authorized the administration to lease the site to Taiwanese developer Geo International Explorer Inc.

The center's estimated cost of $50 million to $60 million will be paid entirely by private money. It will have a mini-conference center, dormitory space for 600 students and a commercial plaza.

Taiwanese developer George Huang envisions a mini "university village" that would join with UH-Hilo as an economic engine for the East Hawai'i community, said his local representative, Big Island attorney Newton Chu.

"His son goes to UH-Hilo, and he wants to do something special by creating a smaller version of the East-West Center and also have a little shopping village and dormitories," said Chu.

Huang, who owns the Crown Asia Development construction firm in Taiwan, is in the process of raising money for the development.

The project is expected to be built in three phases over six to eight years. Renowned Chinese architect Zhang Jinqui, who is known for her Han Dynasty designs, is expected to be a consultant.

"The first phase will be dormitories, the second the commercial village with shops, eating places, possibly a theater, to help make Hilo more of a residential campus," said Chu.

"The third phase will be the U.S.-China Center, kind of a conference center with facilities the university and the community can use."

Rose Tseng, chancellor of the UH-Hilo campus, and UH President Evan Dobelle have been in support of the project.

In a speech Tuesday to the Chamber of Commerce of Hawai'i on O'ahu, Dobelle hinted that a deal was close, saying "the U.S.-China Center is in serious negotiations, with an environmental impact study completed."

Chu is past president of the Hawai'i Chamber of Commerce on the Big Island and current president of the Rotary Club of Hilo.

Reach Beverly Creamer at bcreamer@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8013.