(Photo special to Hawaii 24/7)

Hawaii 24/7 Staff

The bulldozers began crunching the Palamanui site on Tuesday, setting off a nearly two-year construction phase of the new 8-acre community college campus.

Hawaii Community College is expected to move into the facility in 2015, serving approximately 700 students.

The first phase of construction will result in 24,000 square feet of learning space, which includes classrooms, science laboratories and learning kitchens. It also will include a learning commons area that consists of a library, learning center and testing center.

Palamanui LLC is a partnership between Charles R. Schwab and Hunt Companies that is building a mixed-use community on 725 acres about 1 mile north of Kona International Airport.

Palamanui LLC donated $9.68 million for construction and also contributed $10 million in infrastructure improvements for water, power and sewer.

The project also plans to have a LEED Platinum designation, employing the most advanced technology to conserve resources. The campus will feature a large photovoltaic system.

All programs currently offered by Hawaii Community College and UH in Kealakekua will be offered at the new campus, including culinary arts, nursing, liberal arts and Hawaiian studies.

New programs will be offered at Hawaii Community College – Palamanui based on community needs, space availability, funding and curriculum development.