By Staff Reports
(Kaua‘i)—Last week Kaua‘i Community College broke ground to mark the commencement of the construction phase of its Ho‘ouluwehi Affordable / Sustainable Living House Prototype project. The blessing was conducted by Reverend Wayne A. Vidinha, Sr., of Ke Akua Mana Church in an area on the campus known as “The Farm.”
Kaua‘i CC students enrolled in the college’s introductory carpentry class taught by instructor Robert Steurich will turn a used shipping container into a home. The coursework will provide students with a full experience ranging from foundation work through finish carpentry.
“As builders, we should always be searching for ways to build affordable housing and maintain the existing housing stock. Students will learn building practices and procedures that result in a quality product,” said Steurich.
“Just a few months ago, we saw a dented, used container. Today, we can envision an affordable living home. This prototype is being built by Kaua‘i students, on Kaua‘i, for Kauaians, for the future. Our students will have the skill set to further help address our housing needs, and fill professional construction livable-wage jobs here at home, to help address our housing needs,” said Eric Knutzen, executive director of Kaua‘i CC’s Ho‘ouluwehi: The Sustainable Living Institute of Kaua‘i.
Making solid contributions toward affordable housing solutions on Kaua‘i has provided Kaua‘i CC immense fulfillment and purpose.
“This is just a beginning step in a really innovative and exciting project that will benefit our students and the Kaua‘i community, and demonstrates what great things can come when partners works together to improve our community,” said Kaua‘i CC Chancellor Helen A. Cox.
The college welcomes visitors to view the project.
Kaua‘i CC has enjoyed exciting and inspiring exchanges with its partners, the Office of the Mayor and County of Kaua‘i departments.
In January 2012, after two years of planning that involved faculty, staff and students with community partners, Kaua‘i CC launched its Ho‘ouluwehi: The Sustainable Living Institute of Kaua‘i, a program that offers an innovative sustainable leaning focal point for Kaua‘i by:
- embedding sustainability principles within Kaua‘i CC offered curriculum;
- advancing partnerships with the University of Hawai‘i, government, private business, non-profit agencies and individuals; and
- implementing research and projects to foster a more vibrant future for Kaua‘i, and fueling related employment vitality.
Students enrolled in the Kaua‘i CC Introductory Carpentry class are Lloyd-Kekoa Agustin, Dwaine Albarado, Rogelio Casem, Yvinne Difontorum, Cullen Gutierrez, Edward Kemmerling, Ariel Lothlorien, James Nishida and Kyle Redaus.