The state of Hawaii in conjunction with the University of Hawaii will be one of four places selected to submit a formal bid for the Barack Obama Presidential Library. According to the Barack Obama Foundation, there were a total of 13 applications that were received, and the final four are the University of Hawaii, Columbia University in New York, the University of Chicago and the University of Illinois at Chicago. Each university will submit a formal proposal by December 11, 2014. In early 2015, the president and first lady will make their final decision with the help of their foundation.
Under the initial Hawaii proposal, the library would sit on an 8-acre parcel in Kakaako makai. The center would feature an interactive museum, visitor center, presidential archives, and a think tank. Most of the funds to build the center would come from out of state through fundraising by the president's foundation. Economists estimated that a Hawaii Obama presidential library would generate $556 million in economic activity and create 2,130 new jobs in the construction phase. The visitor industry added that the center could attract 330,000 visitors annually.
Hawaii officials stated that they would be prepared to host the library in its entirety or would be willing to work with another university if the president decides to have two cites "co-host" the site. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell stated, "It's fantastic. I'm so excited. We have to be part of this, whether we get all of the center or just a part." Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui added, "We understand the realities. We also know that President Clinton is in two states (Arkansas and New York)."
Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 9-16-2014, www.staradvertiser.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Principal Broker, REALTOR®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
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