MEDIA RELEASE

The first step in the construction of a new campus in Kona has begun.

The University of Hawaii’s Office of Procurement and Real Property Management (OPRPM) has posted a notice to bidders for construction of the Hawaii Community College, Palamanui campus in West Hawaii.

The bid notice, available at http://spo3.hawaii.gov/notices/notices, includes construction of Palamanui’s Culinary Arts Building and the Health Science and Student Services Building.

Construction will cover approximately 24,000 square feet and will include new classrooms, learning kitchens, and science laboratories.

These buildings will house functions servicing the Culinary Arts, Nursing, and Allied Health programs, and Student Services Administration.

UH President M.R.C. Greenwood said, “We are thrilled to begin the building process for this much anticipated campus and grateful for the ongoing support this project has received. Pālamanui will create both new jobs and new academic opportunities.”

The Palamanui campus, which is an extension of Hawaii Community College, will be the 11th permanent campus of the University of Hawaii System.

The campus should support about 700 students is expected to open its doors in the fall of 2014.

UH Vice President for Community Colleges John Morton said, “We are excited to be able to bring the promise of a degree closer to the growing West Hawaii community.”

According to the bid notice, forms and plans for the project are available at OPRPM at 1400 Lower Campus Road, Room 15, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96822, or from the Office of Administrative Affairs/Business Office, Hawaii Community College, 200 West Kawili Street, Hilo Hawaii 96720-4091.

Bids must be submitted to OPRPM or the Hawaii Community College Administrative Affairs/Business Office no later than 2:30 p.m. Dec. 12, 2012.

Bids are scheduled to be opened at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 14, 2012.