UHH Breaks Ground For New Student Housing

The University of Hawaii at Hilo held a groundbreaking Friday for new student housing.

The University Village Phase 1 project will contain approximately 300 housing units in apartments and “suite-style” residence halls.

The $32 million project is being finance by bonds approved by the state Legislature. It will be located across from the university’s main entrance on Kawili Street.

University officials said it will be the first student housing to be built on campus since 1989.

Officials have long maintained that the lack of on-campus housing has been a deterrent to growth of the university. UHH currently has 600 housing units for a student body of more than 4,100.

Phase 1, which is expected to be completed next year, will consist of a 105,500-square-foot complex covering about five acres. It will include three three-story wings containing two-bedroom units capable of housing 302 students. There will also be a one-story common area.

Phase II of the project will provide commercial opportunities, UHH officials said.