University of Hawaii May Halt New Construction to Repair Existing Buildings

The University of Hawaii is considering halting all new construction projects to tackle a nearly $500 million backlog of repair and maintenance issues that the existing buildings are facing. Benjamin Kudo, one on the school's Regents, came up with the proposal and stated, "My concern was if we spent too much of our efforts to approve new projects, that it would somehow affect our ability to take care of the back of the house.  We've neglected too long to take care of our physical plant.  The goal or objective of this particular proposal is to redirect our priorities to reduce the deferred maintenance and repair balance.  We need to have a safe facility and a facility that doesn't present health problems or safety problems to (students) and where it's conducive to learning.  All new buildings, all new proposals, are worthy, and it's difficult for us to say no, but at some point we have to delay or hold off and slow down so that we have a chance to catch up."

According to a recent estimate, the cost to complete repairs and maintenance on existing buildings across the 10-campus system would be approximately $487 million.  Out of which, $407 million would be needed at the main Manoa campus.

Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 10-18-2013, www.staradvertiser.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Broker-in-Charge, REALTOR®
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