Leiopapa a Kamehameha, more commonly known as The State Office Tower located in Honolulu, is undergoing a significant transformation, with its lobby set to receive a modern redesign. Infested by termites, the wooden ceiling of the building that was erected in 1991 has succumbed to damage, prompting the necessity for a revamp. After demolition work completed last week, the repair phase has now commenced, as per the announcement by the Hawaiʻi Department of Accounting and General Services.
Termite debris had been littering the lobby floor, creating not just an eyesore but a potential safety concern with the threat of weakened structures. Assigned to restore the lobby, Hawaiʻi Department of Accounting and General Services' Central Services Division and the contracted workforce are set on a path to rejuvenate the space within 120 days, aiming for completion in April 2025, as detailed by Hawaiʻi Department of Accounting and General Services Director and Comptroller Keith Regan, in a statement obtained by the Hawaiʻi Department of Accounting and General Services.
According to the Hawaiʻi Department of Accounting and General Services, the renovations will feature energy-efficient lighting and a departure from the original wooden aesthetic. James Kurata, CSD Administrator, explained the makeover, stating, "It’s going to look different from the original because we’re not putting back a wood ceiling. We’re going to paint the ceiling to match the wall color for a uniform look. Then we’ll install modern LED lighting." The State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, which has used the lobby as a gallery for artwork, will be able to once again showcase art in this updated setting.
The project, awarded at a competitive bid of $116,888, aims to not only rectify the damage done by the termites but also to enhance the State Office Tower's public spaces. Falling with grace, the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts intends to uplift the cultural richness of Hawai'i through the reanimated lobby space, further illuminated by the soon-to-be-installed LED fixtures.
