[6/3/08 UPDATE: Groundbreaking for China-US Center originally scheduled for June 26 is rescheduled to the fall when students return to campus and can take part in ceremony.]

When fully completed, the China-US Center will house a conference center, hotel, student dormitory, and various student- and university-related commercial services. Rendering courtesy UH Hilo.

Reported in the Hawaii Tribune-Herald (outside news source determines link expiration).

by Bret Yager

The University of Hawai‘i at Hilo is ready to break ground for the new China-U.S. Center, a project aimed at easing the current student housing crunch.

Developer Bridgecreek International and the university plan to have the 300-student apartment building — the first of four — ready in time for fall classes in 2009.

A Native Hawaiian blessing will be part of the groundbreaking ceremony, set for 10 a.m. on June 26.

Other aspects of the ceremony may have a Chinese flair, such as fireworks, with refreshments served afterward at the main campus plaza. The university has applied for a fireworks permit, and further details are currently being worked out, said university spokeswoman Alyson Kakugawa-Leong.

“Following the groundbreaking, they’ll be doing the grading and soil testing,” said Gerald De Mello, the university relations director. “We’re hoping they can get going in June.”

When completed, the $74-million first phase will house nearly 1,200 students in 119 apartment units, each with three double-occupancy bedrooms, a kitchen and living area.

The lease stipulates that the first building must be completed within 33 months. One building would be added each year for a total of 199 units with 1,194 beds, but the last two buildings would be constructed only if demand justified it.

“Every year, we have a waiting list of 400 to 500 students who are admitted, but won’t move over unless the housing is there,” De Mello said. “We have 400 students on the list now.”

The students would enroll now if the university could supply them with the safety, convenience and social opportunity that campus housing offers, De Mello said. The campus currently has 620 beds in three residence halls.

Future phases will include a 25,000-square-foot commercial center, a hotel and cultural center. The entire project has been estimated at $140 million, all of it private funds. The university signed the 65-year land lease for the project in April following years of setbacks and delays.

“As soon as we get the student housing on the ground, the developer will be looking at the commercial phase within probably 6 to 8 months,” De Mello said. “It can only enhance their investment in the student housing.”

“We’re really excited about this project,” De Mello added. “It really gives us a niche and a statewide presence. Now, when the students come here, they’ll have somewhere to live.”

The groundbreaking will be held at the 36-acre project site across Kawili Street from the main campus entrance. Attending dignitaries will include university chancellors, Bridgecreek founder and chairman Frank Jao, and other Bridgecreek representatives.