$7.3M Replacement of Wailuku Administration Facility Planned

DLNR Mahalani administrative office. Photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources has filed a Draft Environmental Assessment for the planned demolition and replacement of its existing administration facility on Mahalani Street in Wailuku.

According to the document, department officials say the one-story building has approached the end of its useful life.

The document further states that there are “observable structural deficiencies in exposed interior and exterior building elements,” including severe termite and wood moisture damage, vertical cracks and spalls on masonry, and corroded steel support beams.

DLNR Mahalani administrative office. Photo by Wendy Osher.

According to the report, sewer, water, electrical and telecommunication components are also outdated and in need of replacement.

“A new, larger administration facility would allow DLNR to address the space requirements for its current and foreseeable future operations,” according to the needs assessment portion of the document.

The current 2,540 square foot facility is described as “inadequate” to fulfill the needs of tenants which currently include the Division of Aquatic Resources, State Historic Preservation Division, and Engineering
Division.

The proposed 7,400 square foot replacement structure would accommodate the current tenants, and create an opportunity for the department to relocate its Land management Division from overcrowded space in the State Office Building in Wailuku.

The new building is also proposed to include sustainability elements to improve “building functionality, site security and onsite infrastructure.”

According to the DEA, the environmental review process may be concluded by September 2014, with design anticipated to commence in fall 2014, and construction of the $7.3 million project anticipated to start in spring 2016.