Puna library nearing planning stage
HILO >> The state is set to start the planning phase for a new public library for underserved residents in the rapidly growing Puna district of Hawaii island.
State lawmakers approved $800,000 for a feasibility study and initial phases of the project during the 2014 legislative session. Officials said negotiations with a Honolulu-based consultant, Group 70, which will conduct the study, are almost complete.
The new library will be an addition to the three libraries that serve Puna residents in Pahoa, Keaau and Mountain View, the Hawaii Tribune-Herald reported.
“This will be a modern library,” said state Sen. Russell Ruderman (D, Pahoa), “with e-books, e-readers that can be lent out, meeting spaces. It’s really a learning center. We have a very fast-growing and very poor population, and I feel a library is a mechanism for people to climb out of poverty, a way to educate themselves.”
Once a contract has been finalized with Group 70, plans for the library will be open to public comment.
Ruderman said a possible location and other details regarding the new library are still being decided. He estimates the process of building the library will take another seven to eight years.
7 responses to “Puna library nearing planning stage”
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Hope they have books on the volcano.
Good. The library might encourage actual literacy in this deprived area.
geez allie. just once, please, post something that isn’t condescending to our citizens. please.
allie is busy hugging the bison in North Dakota.
Hawaii resident are very well versed in reading and being street smarts. Got to know how to read to use a smartphone.
Building the library is a one time expense and looks good on a politician’s resume. Make sure there is continuing funding to staff the library and pay for its ongoing maintenance and growth.
I hope your one time doesn’t mean that Pele, Goddess of fire, will not be taking the library home with her, far away with one gulp.