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The Honolulu Advertiser

Updated at 8:05 a.m., Saturday, January 6, 2007

Work progresses on Kaua'i's first homeless shelter

Advertiser Staff

LIHU'E – Construction crews are in the final phase of Kaua'i's first homeless shelter, and the facility is set for a fall opening, officials said.

Kikiaola Construction Co. finished the relocation phase of the project before Christmas, and Kaua'i Builders Inc. took over on Dec. 26.

Kaua'i Builders is responsible for the renovation phase and is expected to complete the job by summer's end, officials said.

If everything goes smoothly, the homeless shelter will be open in the fall.

"Things are looking good. You can already see how well the architect, Agor Design Group, integrated the design of all the buildings," said James Nishida with Kaua'i Economic Opportunity Inc. He explained that two of the structures were built around the 1930s, while the three portables have a modern design.

"It's a challenging project," said Ben Esteban, project superintendent for Kaua'i Builders. "We're trying to maintain the original look of the buildings as much as possible."

Crews have already finished gutting the buildings. The next step will be the installation of partitions that will convert the buildings into separate living units.

"We're also tasked with putting in ramps and walkways so the buildings will be ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant, installing bathrooms and a laundry room, doing the electrical work, replacing windows, refurbishing drywall and woodwork, painting, as well as putting in a septic system," Esteban said.

Mayor Bryan Baptiste said, "I look forward to the day when the project is completed and the folks in our community who don't have anywhere else to turn to will be able to benefit from it."

When it's completed, the emergency shelter will have overnight accommodations for up to 19 people. The transitional housing units will lodge up to 21 people on a temporary basis, with individuals and families being allowed to stay for a maximum of 24 months.