Hawaii One of Four Selected to Submit Formal Bid for Barack Obama Presidential Library

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
www.myhawaiihomesearch.com
www.myhawaiicondo.com
www.myhawaiidreamhome.com

Proposed Obama Presidential Library Would Create Jobs and Revenue to State

According to the bid proposal submitted to the Barack Obama Foundation, building the Obama Presidential Library in Kakaako on the island of Oahu would create over $556 million in economic activity and generate 2,130 new jobs in the construction phase alone.  The museum is expected to attract 330,000 visitors every year making it one of Honolulu's top five cultural attractions.  David Lassner, the University of Hawaii President, stated, "Together, with our partners, we are proposing a vibrant institution that will explore the legacy of the 44th presidency, forge collaborative solutions to global problems and cultivate a new generation of leaders that will make lasting change."

The Hawaii Community Development Authority has offered to set aside 8 acres of land in Kakaako to host the Obama Presidential Library, interactive museum, visitor center, and presidential archive.  Most of the fundraising would be accomplished by the Barack Obama Foundation, leaving the state to pay for maintenance and upkeep. The long term financial benefits could be quite large as the Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock, Arkansas has already brought in an estimated $2.5 billion in economic development to the city since construction began in 2001.

Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 6-17-2014, www.staradvertiser.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Principal Broker, REALTOR®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
www.myhawaiihomesearch.com
www.myhawaiicondo.com
www.myhawaiidreamhome.com

Hawaii Submits Bid for Barack Obama Presidential Library

The state of Hawaii has submitted an official bid to become the home of the Barack Obama Presidential Library. According to state officials, the proposed 8-acre site would be near Kaakako Waterfront Park and would include a presidential center and an educational academy.  Competition is expected to be quite fierce as several other cities including Chicago and New York have submitted bids.  The Barack Obama Foundation had stated previously that they would like to have the library in an international destination reflecting the president's values and priorities.  The foundation will select a site in early 2015.

Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 6-16-2014, www.staradvertiser.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Principal Broker, REALTOR®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
www.myhawaiihomesearch.com
www.myhawaiicondo.com
www.myhawaiidreamhome.com