Hawaii submits proposal for Obama library
The Hawaii steering committee for the Obama Presidential Library commissioned conceptional designs of what the library might look like. This is the Allied Works Architecture concept.
The Hawaii steering committee for the Obama Presidential Library commissioned conceptional designs of what the library might look like. This is the Snohetta and WCIT Architecture concept.
The Hawaii steering committee for the Obama Presidential Library commissioned conceptional designs of what the library might look like. This is the Snohetta and WCIT Architecture concept.
The Hawaii steering committee for the Obama Presidential Library commissioned conceptional designs of what the library might look like. This is the Snohetta and WCIT Architecture concept.
The Hawaii steering committee for the Obama Presidential Library commissioned conceptional designs of what the library might look like. This is the MOS and Workshop-HI concept.
The Hawaii steering committee for the Obama Presidential Library commissioned conceptional designs of what the library might look like. This is the Allied Works Architecture concept.
The Hawaii steering committee for the Obama Presidential Library commissioned conceptional designs of what the library might look like. This is the Allied Works Architecture concept.
The Hawaii steering committee for the Obama Presidential Library commissioned conceptional designs of what the library might look like. This is the Snohetta and WCIT Architecture concept.
Hawaii’s formal bid for the Barack Obama presidential library was submitted Thursday — projecting between $25 and $40 million in tax revenues and spotlighting the built-in attraction of millions of Hawaii visitors who would be drawn to the site.
A written proposal for the Barack Obama Presidential Center was coordinated by the University of Hawaii with broad input from government and community groups.
“President Obama is part of our island family,” said Gov. David Ige. “We humbly suggest that Hawaii is the best place to build his Presidential Center. With our rich cultural heritage, mature visitor industry, and Asia-Pacific ties, we believe we can help President Obama create an institution that will carry forward his important work on a global stage.”
The Hawaii proposal consists of four principal program components: a K-12 Global Youth Leadership Academy; an action-oriented Convening Institute; a UH Center for Community Organizing; and an interactive, issues- ased visitor center, according to a news release.
The proposal highlights:
>> An economic impact with 1,000-2,000 construction jobs, and $25 million to $40 million in tax revenue. “After its first 10 years of operations, the institution will have catalyzed more than $2 billion in new economic activity,” the press release says.
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>> The proposed site in Kakaako, between Waikiki and downtown, which is expected to attract the millions of visitors already in the market, making the center one of the most visited of the presidential libraries.
>> Independent revenue streams that will make the center and its programs self-sustaining.
In September, the university was selected as one of four finalists to host the Obama Center, along with Columbia University, University of Chicago and the University of Illinois at Chicago. The president and first lady are expected to make a decision by mid-2015. The Barack Obama Foundation would lead a capital campaign and supervise design, construction, and program operations.
The proposal is being formally submitted by Ige, Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell, UH President David Lassner, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono, U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, U.S. Rep.-elect Mark Takai and Hawaii’s steering committee.
This statewide effort is also supported by a local advisory council and institutional partners that include the East-West Center, Hawai’i Community Development Authority (HCDA), state Department of Education, Hawaii Tourism Authority, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Harold K.L. Castle Foundation, Kamehameha Schools and Punahou School.
