Big Island moves ahead with new Onizuka center
Associated Press
KAILUA, KONA, Hawaii Plans are continuing for a new Astronaut Ellison S. Onizuka Space Center on the Big Island.
The current building must go because its in conflict with the Kona International Airport master plan that was released in February.
According to a draft assessment released last week, the new $5.5 million center will be relocated on the south side of the airport in a 7,335-square-foot building.
The site is owned by the state, which will pay for the center.
The facility will feature a theater, exhibition area, library, gift shop and meeting room. Construction is to begin later this year and be completed in 18 months.
The center honors Onizuka, a Big Island astronaut killed in the 1986 explosion of the space shuttle Challenger.
Information from: West Hawaii Today, www.westhawaiitoday.com
