$3.5M Released for UH Maui College Renovations

UHMC Hospitality Academy of Maui blessing 2/8/12. Photo by Wendy Osher.

By Maui Now Staff

Governor Neil Abercrombie announced the release of $3.5 million for renovations at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College.

The funds will be used for the renovation and re-purposing of the former Hale Haumana student housing facility into the Hospitality Academy of Maui.

The university has already partnered with local resorts to convert the deteriorated wooden buildings into a hands-on learning laboratory for students.

Once complete, students will be able to manage and operate the facility as a real-world classroom with public guests and resort-level rooms, and revenue generated at the “teaching hotel” will support the operation.

Hospitality Academy of Maui Blessing 2/8/12. Photo by Wendy Osher.

The funds will be used for re-roofing, and renovation of building walls, windows, plumbing, and electrical infrastructure, along with floors, air conditioning and lighting.

The Hospitality Academy of Maui is part of the UH Maui College’s Hospitality and Tourism Program.

The UH Maui College Chancellor will be responsible for the overall management and operation of the project and the program coordinator or designee will oversee daily operations of the Hospitality Academy of Maui, and serve as the hotel’s general manager.