A Maui County Council committee approved adding $4 million in bond funding for the under-construction Hālau of ʻŌiwi Arts cultural facility in Wailuku, bringing the total project cost to $50.5 million.
- The additional $4 million would restore items cut during construction including commercial kitchen equipment, security systems, and rooftop solar panels.
- The original $46.5 million project went over budget when bids came in at $52.7 million in fall 2023.
- County officials proceeded with construction and used value engineering to reduce costs, switching from cast-in-place concrete to pre-cast panels and eliminating architectural features.
- Council members questioned whether this would be the final funding request, with officials saying they anticipate it will cover everything but noting construction cost volatility.
- The Native Hawaiian cultural facility is located at Church and Vineyard streets in Wailuku and received a blessing ceremony in April 2025.
Source: Maui Now
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