Building Change

*A completed Hale Kuʻikahi stands tall at Kaluaopalena Garden. Photo by Kaʻōhua Lucas.*

Construction and building are two words that don’t normally create excitement, but for KKV they are two words that signify a whole lot of exciting change.

Back in 2019, the visionary minds at architectural firm, AMA A/E, were approached to design Hale Lauele, an educational space and woodworking studio at Hoʻoulu ʻĀina. Now gearing up for the construction phase, Hale Lauele will be breaking ground at the end of the year. The process has been a long one, which lead architects Kevin Miyamura and Andrew Neuman are deeply familiar with.

Over the past few years, KKV has come to rely upon AMA A/E’s understanding of nonprofit needs for Hale Lauele and several additional KKV building projects: Hale Ku’ikahi at Kaluaopalena Garden and the renovation of the Judd Medical Clinic. Their professionalism and easy manner have been complimentary to KKV’s planning team, making the process an educational experience.

Model of Hale Kuʻikahi

AMA A/E Architects Kevin Miyamura and Krithika Penedo designed a shade structure for the programs at Kaluaopalena Community Garden.

Image: Architectural concept model of Hale Ku’ikahi provided by AMA A/E.

Construction of Hale Kuʻikahi

In September of 2022 construction began at Kaluaopalena.

Image: Building progress of Hale Kuʻikahi provided by AMA A/E.

Open to the public

Image: KKV Staff and community make Hale Kuʻikahi official with a ceremonial blessing and welcome.

Photo by: Kaʻōhua Lucas

The Judd Clinic

The Judd Clinic was constructed in 1998 and has since experienced renovations in 2007. Plans are currently being developed with AMA A/E Architect Kevin Miyamura, interior designer Kamaile Puaoi of Noho Designs, Inc., and KKV Staff, to renovate the Judd Medical Clinic.

Photo by: KKV Communications Team

Judd Clinic Renovations

The main focus of the Judd Clinic renovations will be the ground floor.

Photo by: KKV Communications Team

Na Koa Clinic

Renovations will also include upgrades made to the upper floor and garage level. In addition to making the clinic more welcoming, the project will also incorporate a small urgent care facility to expand KKV services.

Photo: What started out as a parking space eventually converted to become the Na Koa Clinic. During the pandemic, the Na Koa Clinic helped to continue service to the community offering a safe way to intake patients and offer vaccinations. Pictured are two KKV Staff taking a much needed respite during their break. Photo by KKV Medical Team.

Each of the projects has numerous complexities, from working with multiple grants, government, and private funding sources, to a slow permitting process in Honolulu. AMA’s experience working with nonprofits and their challenges has been critical for us.

“The highlight of these projects is the people we work with,” Kevin says. “Everyone at KKV is fun, sharp, and engaged in their work. They have a lot of insight, and we learn from everyone we’ve been in contact with. We learn not just about the community health mission, but about how KKV does community service in a way that’s empowering and dignity-giving.” Andrew highlights their experience at Hoʻoulu ʻĀina, where each meeting starts with an Aloha Circle. “It’s a special experience,” he says, “putting us directly in touch with the land, with the feeling and sounds and smells. As much as we treat people at KKV as clients and collaborators, we think of a lot of folks here as kūpuna.”

We are grateful to our partners at AMA A/E and give them our thanks, as we work together to complete KKV’s facility projects.