Considering potential growth for the University of the Nations in Kona, LUC deliberates on expansion plans.
**Expansion Plans Unveiled for University of the Nations in Kailua-Kona**
The University of the Nations (U of N) in Kailua-Kona has announced its plans for expansion, aiming to add approximately 62 acres to its current 45-acre campus on Kuakini Highway [5]. This expansion is part of an updated master plan and includes new facilities and infrastructure.
The Land Use Commission (LUC) is set to consider the expansion plans, with an environmental impact statement (EIS) recently released by the U of N Kona [1][3][4]. This EIS, prepared by G70 in Honolulu, is a significant step towards gaining approval for the project.
While specific details about the timeline for the phases of expansion or the expected completion date are not readily available, the release of the EIS indicates that the project is moving forward and likely to enter the approval phase soon. The expansion would likely involve several stages, including planning, approval, construction, and completion, to ensure that the expansion aligns with local regulations and environmental standards [2].
The expansion plans include additional student housing, academic instruction buildings, a student center, a lower school, athletic facilities, a chapel, maintenance and storage facilities, and supporting infrastructure [6]. In the next 5-10 years, enrollment at the U of N Kona campus is projected to increase to a total of approximately 1,058 students per quarter, with university-level enrollment projected to increase to approximately 718 students, accounting for roughly 67% of the total student population [8][9].
In the next 10 to 20 years, student enrollment is projected to increase to a total of approximately 1,424 students per quarter, with university-level enrollment projected to increase to approximately 955 students, accounting for roughly 67% of the total student population [10]. Currently, the school serves about 774 students each quarter, of which about 480 or roughly 62% are college-level [7].
Dorms on the existing campus house between 900 and 1,100 people each quarter, and all university-level students are housed in campus dormitories [3]. Additional water sources and sewer development will be necessary to support the expansion [4]. The first phase of the expansion is limited to 12 of the 62 acres and includes a preservation plan for the four identified burial sites on the property [1][6].
The U of N Kona, established in 1978, is dedicated to educating and training "emerging Christian leaders" [11]. The school currently has roughly 600 staff members throughout the school year [2]. The U of N Kona will have to petition the LUC to amend its finding of facts, conclusions of law and decision and order before any planned construction can begin [12].
As the University of the Nations in Kailua-Kona moves forward with its expansion plans, it is expected to enhance the educational and infrastructure capabilities of the university. However, specific timelines and phase details remain to be confirmed.
[1] https://www.westhawaiitoday.com/2022/03/10/university-of-the-nations-kona-releases-expansion-plans/ [2] https://www.westhawaiitoday.com/2022/03/10/university-of-the-nations-kona-releases-expansion-plans/ [3] https://www.westhawaiitoday.com/2022/03/10/university-of-the-nations-kona-releases-expansion-plans/ [4] https://www.westhawaiitoday.com/2022/03/10/university-of-the-nations-kona-releases-expansion-plans/ [5] https://www.westhawaiitoday.com/2022/03/10/university-of-the-nations-kona-releases-expansion-plans/ [6] https://www.westhawaiitoday.com/2022/03/10/university-of-the-nations-kona-releases-expansion-plans/ [7] https://www.westhawaiitoday.com/2022/03/10/university-of-the-nations-kona-releases-expansion-plans/ [8] https://www.westhawaiitoday.com/2022/03/10/university-of-the-nations-kona-releases-expansion-plans/ [9] https://www.westhawaiitoday.com/2022/03/10/university-of-the-nations-kona-releases-expansion-plans/ [10] https://www.westhawaiitoday.com/2022/03/10/university-of-the-nations-kona-releases-expansion-plans/ [11] https://www.uonet.org/ [12] https://www.westhawaiitoday.com/2022/03/10/university-of-the-nations-kona-releases-expansion-plans/
The expansion plans for the University of the Nations (U of N) in Kailua-Kona aim to not only add new academic instruction buildings, student housing, and other facilities, but also contribute to the education and self-development of its students, as the increasing enrollment is expected to create over a thousand new student opportunities in the coming years. In alignment with the university's mission to educate and train emerging Christian leaders, these educational advancements will likely have a significant impact on the environment, as the LUC considers the expansion plans and an environmental impact statement (EIS) is prepared to ensure compliance with local regulations and environmental standards.
