The housing office at BYU-Hawaii has a new place to call home. The new building, which opened this spring, houses a family living and learning resource center, laundry room, and offices.
"It really accomplished everything that I had hoped for with regard to providing the types of services that we need," said John Elkington, director of housing (pictured at left).
Those types of services are diverse, and directly impact families living in the Temple View Apartments (TVA). The TVA Family Living and Learning Resource Center is a unique multi-purpose room. The room may be used for meetings such as training sessions for resident assistants, or as a private counseling area for married couples. One of the main functions of the room, though, is to serve as a refuge for the little ones, or keiki.
Na Kamalei pre-school, which teaches and trains TVA residents' children, used to meet outside. When the typical rain came down, finding an adequate covered area was a significant challenge. Now the group has a large, air-conditioned room complete with audio and video equipment.
"It's very satisfying to see the facility utilized and the need being met," Elkington said.
The needs are also being met with an additional laundry facility. The new building includes 22 washers and 22 dryers, exactly doubling the number available to TVA residents. "The old laundry room was full, and I needed to go to work and do laundry today, so I am thankful to have the new laundry room," said Christina Rosebrough, whose husband is a student at BYU-Hawaii.
Along with the housing office and accompanying rooms, crews also constructed buildings U (for missionaries and faculty), and V and W (for student families). "We've stepped it up a notch. These buildings prove that we're very serious about our commitment to the students," said Lorraine Azain Matagi, assistant director of housing. Matagi also said plans are drawn for a seventh hale to hold around 250 students. Pending final approval, construction could begin as early as next year.
The goal to provide better places for students and faculty to live, however, doesn't stop on campus. Housing officials arrange for employees to annually inspect off-campus living quarters to make sure standards are met for students. Elkington said he expects 26 old homes on Moana Street to be demolished and, in their place, 52 homes built for faculty. "The hope is to retain faculty and give them a place where they can enjoy the academic side, but also want to raise their own family in this community."
BYU-Hawaii's campus housing currently holds 60 percent of its student body. "The goal, eventually, is to house 80 percent," Elkington said. With that determination, students, faculty, and staff will certainly have options getting settled in their new home.
