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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Tuesday, November 25, 2003

Kahala church plans project to expand, create new entrance

By Suzanne Roig
Advertiser East Honolulu Writer

KAHALA — Waiokeola Congregational Church on Kilauea Avenue plans a massive renovation project to create a gateway into its child-care center and offices.

The church outlined its proposal and unveiled preliminary drawings at the Wai'alae-Kahala Neighborhood Board meeting last week. The board endorsed the church's plans to add about 4,000 square feet of office and preschool classroom space and create a main entrance next to the church, which is on Makaiwa Street and Kilauea Avenue.

The congregation already has some classrooms and office space there.

However, before any construction can take place, the congregation will need to raise about $600,000, said Sid Char, a member of the church and architect who drew up the preliminary plans.

Detailed blueprints have yet to be drawn, Char said, and no date has been set yet on the construction.

The plan started modestly. Its initial purpose was to create more space for the moms-time-off program, where volunteers watch over small children while their mothers run errands.

But as more members of the church got involved, the project expanded to include moving the pastor's office from behind the church to the center, combining office spaces and adding more classrooms, Char said.

"We see the improvements as a focal point, an entry, a place where parents can drop off on Kilauea Avenue," Char said.

The church already has city approval for the one-story, flat-roof building, Char said, but still needs a building permit.

Char said existing trees will not be disturbed by the construction and the building will have a 30-foot setback from the street.

"The church is not expanding; we're just moving some services that are tucked behind things so that people won't have to go hunting down the pastor's office," he said.

"This will make the child-care center more secure," said Steven Bischoff, a neighborhood board member. "I hope the congregation embraces the entire project."

Reach Suzanne Roig at sroig@honoluluadvertiser.com or 395-8831.