A History of Makiki Library, Part 2

If you haven’t done so already, you can read A History of Makiki Library, Part 1, which discusses it’s storied history to the present day. But here’s the rest of the story now:

Over the years, however, the library’s aging building deteriorated and suffered damage from vandalism.  At one time, the City contemplated demolishing the building.  However, given the building’s solid concrete construction (it was once designated a Civil Defense fallout shelter), that would have been a formidable task.

The Hawaii State Legislature appropriated funds periodically over the years for renovations and operations, but few of those funds were released by the Governor.  In 2001, State Rep. Brian Schatz obtained a $25,000 grant from the Legislature to support library activities and purchase two computers with internet access.  In 2005, Congressman Neil Abercrombie secured a $100,000 Congressional appropriation for library renovations, which will be used soon to upgrade the electrical system and provide new electric outlets within the library.

In November 2005, the City closed the library and embarked on extensive renovations including new windows, a fire escape, and elevator, a special-needs lift to the mezzanine, and extensive work on the deteriorating upper floors.  As the work progressed it became apparent that costs would exceed funding.  Work stopped in 2007 until additional City funds were appropriated, and finally on March 26, 2008, Mayor Mufi Hannemann formally returned the renovated lbirary to the Friends of the Makiki Library, which has been working since then to ready the library for public use.  A computer learning center and other programs for the community are being considered.

Much has been accomplished by the Friends of the Makiki Library and volunteers to prepare the lbirary to be reopned to the public after its closure for several years, but much more help will be needed.  Now that the library has reopened, volunteers will be needed to help staff the library.

Mahalo!

Note:  Much of this story came from information available at the Library.

Tagged as: city and county, honolulu, makiki, makiki library