Groundbreaking Wednesday For New Ka`u Gym and Shelter

The public is invited to a groundbreaking Wednesday for the new Ka`u District Gym & Shelter.

The ceremony will be held at 9 a.m. at the Ka`u High and Pahala Elementary School campus.

In addition to replacing the school’s aging gym, the $17 million facility will also serve as a community shelter during natural disasters. Part of the new gym will also provide protection for area residents from volcanic emissions known as vog.

The 43,300-square-foot facility will contain three regulation-size courts for either basketball or volleyball. It will also feature locker and training rooms, a lobby, courtyard, kitchen and office and storage areas.

Construction is expected to begin the following week and will take approximately 18 months to complete.