Kapahulu Senior Center to get $250K upgrade

By Kalani WIlhelm
Advertiser Staff Writer

The Kapahulu Senior Center will receive $250,000 in federal money that will be used for improvements at the popular facility.

The money will come from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, thanks to the efforts of state Rep. Scott Nishimoto, D-21st (Kapahulu, Diamond Head), and U.S. Sen. Dan Inouye.

Nishimoto spearheaded the effort to get the money, working through Inouye.

"It's something I had to try to do for the community," said Nishimoto. "It is the center of our community. So many people go there for line dancing, tai chi and other activities."

In the basement of the old Waikiki Japanese School on Campbell Avenue, the center has been a fixture in the community for 28 years and in need of renovation for a long time, Nishimoto said.

The renovation will include the installation of a wheelchair ramp, plumbing and electrical upgrades, and painting and strengthening of the structure. The work is expected to be completed in about a year.