UH Manoa student housing in the spotlight

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa‘s Student Housing Services held a blessing ceremony on March 4 to gear up for phase one of the Hale Aloha Complex modernization project.

Phase one will feature safety upgrades, including the replacement of the exterior windows and interior renovations of the Hale Mokihana and Hale Ilima Towers. Student Housing Services has already upgraded student room furniture and flooring.

Officials hope to have the Hale Aloha Complex open to students by fall 2010, with the cost of the entire two-phase project, including design and construction, estimated to be $25-30 million.

"This important project moves our UH Mānoa campus another step toward achieving our goal of becoming a destination of choice for great students in Hawai‘i and beyond," said Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw.

By fall 2010, half of all bed spaces for students will reside in buildings that are brand new or have been renovated within two years.

In addition to the blessing ceremony, Frear Hall, the first new student residence hall to be built at UH Mānoa in 30 years, was presented with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Award Certification for environmentally sustainable construction.

Frear Hall was designed to reduce its impact on the environment by way of its design, construction and use. It features fluorescent lighting, low-flow plumbing fixtures, recycled carpeting, natural ventilation for hallways and lobby areas, and a "cool" roof and glass that reflect the sun‘s heat.