Hawai'i State News

Long-awaited public library for Waikōloa is one step closer to becoming a reality

Play
Listen to this Article
4 minutes
Loading Audio... Article will play after ad...
Playing in :00
A
A
A

Fourteen years ago, in the living room of then state Rep. Cindy Evans, residents of Waikōloa made their plea: “Please. We have to bring a library to the community.”

Since then, Evans has been part of the push to get a library in the South Kohala town of nearly 7,400 people on the Big Island.

Today, after years of the community looking at different sites and discussing plans to make that dream become reality, the Hawai’i County Council is expected to approve a measure that will finally open the next chapter in the effort to construct a new public library in Waikōloa.

Evans, now a Council member, along with her fellow Council colleagues, already gave the measure, Resolution 51-23, a unanimous favorable recommendation during a Feb. 7 committee meeting.

The nonprofit Friends of the Library-Waikoloa Region offers a daily bookmobile in Waikōloa now, but its not a full-service library. It’s a transitional program — operated by volunteers and reliant on donations — until a public library can be built in the community. Photo from the Friends of the Library-Waikōloa Region website.

The resolution, introduced by Council Vice Chairman Holeka Inaba by request, would authorize Hawai‘i County Finance Director Deanna Sako to negotiate a 65-year lease, at no cost, with the Hawai‘i State Public Library System.

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW AD
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW AD

The lease is for the development, construction and operation of a library that would sit on a few more than 2.5 acres within the County’s Kamakoa Nui subdivision in Waikōloa.

Hawai‘i State Librarian Stacey Aldrich said via Zoom during the Feb. 7 meeting that a recent patron survey conducted by the state library system showed that Hawai‘i’s libraries are important community hubs. They are places where people can connect to the internet and with each other, accessing information and ideas.

The nonprofit Friends of the Library-Waikōloa Region, of which Evans is a founding member, has been offering a daily bookmobile behind the tennis courts in Waikōloa as a learning resource center and gathering place. But it’s not a full-service library. It’s a transitional program — operated by volunteers and reliant on donations — until a library can be built.

The nearest state library is about 20 miles away at Thelma Parker Memorial Public and School Library in Waimea. The Kailua-Kona Public Library is about 35 miles away.

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW AD

“This community really wants this library,” Evans said during the committee meeting.

The state library system is onboard.

“We’re so excited to be able to partner with the County to bring a library to a community that has been wanting a library for more than 10 years,” Aldrich said. “Thank you so much for considering this opportunity to partner with us to bring this important hub to the community. Mahalo.”

Councilwoman Sue Lee Loy said she is happy to lend her support to Resolution 51-23, helping lay the groundwork to bring such an important resource to Waikōloa. Inaba looks forward to seeing the library come to fruition. Evans thanked her colleagues for their support.

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW AD

“Libraries are the heart of Hawai‘i’s communities, and [the Hawai‘i State Public Library System] has been working with the community, state and county leaders for years to provide a permanent public library in Waikōloa,” said Mallory Fujitani, a special assistant in the Office of the State Librarian, on Tuesday. “Resolution 51-23 paves the way for making the library a reality.”

Today’s Council meeting begins at 9 a.m. People can attend in person at the West Hawai‘i Civic Center in Kona or watch online. Unless items are taken out of order, Resolution 51-23 should be one of the first measures the Council takes up.

Among other business, the Council will:

  • Take up first reading of Bill 27, relating to the completion of Phase II of the Hilo Bayfront Trails project, including the construction of parking stalls and a connecting walkway for access to the path that runs from Kumu Street to Pauahi Street in Hilo. The measure requires a 2/3 vote of the entire Council to move forward.
  • Consider second and final reading of Bill 13, relating to the purchase of essential fire equipment to be used in Pāhoa and other areas in lower Puna.
  • Take up second and final reading of Bill 15, relating to public improvements through the Hawai‘i County Mass Transit Agency, including making sure bus stops are compliant with the Americans With Disabilities Act and constructing a Kailua-Kona maintenance facility. This measure also requires a 2/3 vote of the entire Council to pass.

To see the full Council agenda, click here.

Nathan Christophel
Nathan Christophel is a full-time reporter with Pacific Media Group. He has more than 25 years of experience in journalism as a reporter, copy editor and page designer. He previously worked at the Hawaii Tribune-Herald in Hilo. Nathan can be reached at nathan@bigislandnow.com
Read Full Bio

Sponsored Content

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Stay in-the-know with daily or weekly
headlines delivered straight to your inbox.
Cancel
×

Comments

This comments section is a public community forum for the purpose of free expression. Although Big Island Now encourages respectful communication only, some content may be considered offensive. Please view at your own discretion. View Comments