More work to be completed on new Aiea Public Library

Question: The new Aiea Public Library is finally finished but stands empty and unused by the public who have been patiently waiting for our new expanded library for years. The old library on Moanalua Road is very small and terribly inadequate for our community’s needs. Parking is so limited that many hopeful library patrons are turned away. We’ve been patiently waiting for the yearlong-plus building of the new library to be completed, which has finally happened. But here’s the rub: The staff at our old library say it may be June or July before they move into the new facility. What is causing this delay?

Answer: Looks can be deceiving, as they say.

The new library is not open because work is not yet completed, said Keith Fujio, administrative services officer for the Hawaii State Public Library System and special assistant to the state librarian.

The estimated date of completion for construction alone is the end of May, but there’s no grand opening date yet set.

Asked what’s holding up the opening, Fujio said, "Nothing is holding up the opening of the new library. We are all working together as quickly as possible to achieve this goal."

The exterior may look done but work inside continues.

Furniture, fixtures, shelving, equipment and other items will be delivered and installed only after the contractor’s work is completed, Fujio said. Once the interior work is done, the next step would be to move in books, materials and computers.

Before planning for the grand opening can begin, "We want to make sure that everything is working properly, all materials are ready to be checked out and that we have a clean, beautiful and safe library for the public, especially its anxiously waiting Aiea community members," Fujio said.

A news release will be issued when an opening date is set.

The total cost of the new 17,200-square-foot library, including planning and design, is $10.4 million.

There will be space for up to 78,000 books and 8,000 DVDs and CDs; free wireless Internet access; 12 public Internet computers and two public access computers (electronic card catalogs); a program room for meetings and activities; and expanded parking.

Question: Is the state working on procuring a private contract to (cut weeds on) the sides of the paved road leading up to the Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail? The weeds and haole koa are crowding the edge of the road, leaving a hazard for hikers and bikers because you no longer can see the drainage ditches running along both sides of the road. There are also areas where the views are obstructed.

Answer: You should see a big improvement soon, if not by now.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources’ State Parks Division has its own maintenance crew that clears any overgrowth on an average of every six to eight months, said spokeswoman Deborah Ward.

A park supervisor was sent to assess the area and was to assign a crew to go out last week, she said.

Clarification

In the April 24 Kokua Line, we reported, "Beginning May 1, the state Department of Transportation will require two documents showing proof of residence be presented to obtain a driver’s license, as well as a state ID card."

Some readers thought that meant they needed to show a state ID card to get a driver’s license. That is not the case.

Showing proof of principal residence is required to obtain a driver’s license and/or a state ID card.

Mahalo

To the very nice young lady who let me use her small car battery jumper to start my car. Early this month my family and I were at Leeward Community College when my car wouldn’t start. I had my engine hood open. I had called for roadside assistance, but help was taking much longer than expected when she came upon us and was kind enough to offer her nifty gadget. My family and I want to say mahalo for her aloha spirit! — The Meyers

Write to "Kokua Line" at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.