Posted on: Saturday, March 12, 2005

Libraries to improve accessibility

Advertiser Staff

Gov. Linda Lingle has released $461,000 for improvements to three Honolulu public libraries — the Hawai'i State Library, the Kalihi-Palama Public Library and the Manoa Public Library.

Most of the money will be used to bring the facilities closer to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

"These improvements will address the accessibility issues," said Keith Fujio, Administrative Services officer for the state library system.

Fujio said the improvements wouldn't bring the facilities into full ADA compliance, but would ensure that accessibility would not be a problem. "It's getting the restrooms, the ramps, the clearances adjusted," he said.

Kalihi-Palama head librarian Marsha Nakama said her facility will now be easier for disabled patrons to use.

"In the bathrooms, things like hand towel dispensers will be brought down, and there will be automatic door openers, that kind of thing. And our front door is not wide enough for a wheelchair. That will be changed."

The total project cost is $579,000, of which $118,000 had been previously allotted for the design phase, according to the statement from Lingle's office.

The work on the three public libraries is expected to be completed by November.