Job Corps students spruce up historic site
By Eloise Aguiar
Advertiser Windward O'ahu Writer
KAILUA — Paul Lauriano used to play and picnic at the Boettcher Estate at Kalama Beach Park when he was younger, but this week the Hawai'i Job Corps student is volunteering his time to spruce up the historic building.
Gregory Yamamoto • The Honolulu Advertiser
He is among about a dozen Job Corps students using newly learned skills to attack a mildew problem on the 1930s estate designed by famed architect Vladimir Ossipoff and landscaped by Richard Tongg.
Students with the Hawai'i Job Corps are using newly learned skills to fix the mildew problem at Kalama Beach Park's Boettcher Estate. The Job Corps hopes to use the city park as a training ground for students from all over the Pacific. Julie Dugan of the Job Corps calls the restoration project "a great example of private-public partnerships formed to meet a community need."
Boettcher Estate, built in the 1930s, was designed by architect Vladimir Ossipoff and landscaped by Richard Tongg.
"It's like a privilege to work on it not only because I've come here for a long time; it's something I can do for my community," said Lauriano, 20, a Kailua resident.
The Job Corps has adopted the city park and hopes to use it as a training ground for the various skills taught to students who come from all over the Pacific, said Julie Dugan, with Job Corps.
The project began last week and should be completed by Friday. It's part of Job Corps Make A Difference Day activities.
"We do our own remodeling and upgrades on the center, but we're always looking for community projects where they can get hands-on experience and the community benefits," Dugan said.
"This restoration project is a great example of private-public partnerships formed to meet a community need."
The project was organized by Clinton Jamile with the city Adopt-A-Park program, said Lucille Gibson, with the Friends of Boettcher Estate.
Material and labor for the project have been donated, including mildew remover and stain by ICI Dulux Paints, Zinsser Co. The Friends contributed other materials for the project.
"The partnership with Hawai'i Job Corps gives the young people of the Pacific Basin an opportunity to learn and hone their skills, plus pride in being a caring, significant part of helping to keep this historic building in tiptop condition," Gibson said.
Reach Eloise Aguiar at eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com or 234-5266.
