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DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES News Release LINDA LINGLE GOVERNOR _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PETER T. YOUNG, CHAIRPERSON
Phone: (808) 587-0401
Fax: (808) 587-0390
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For Immediate Release:
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HONOLULU -- The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will begin construction starting Monday, January 8, 2007, of improvements to the Kana‘ina building and the Royal Guards Barracks building within the ‘Iolani Palace State Monument grounds. The ‘Iolani Palace and these two buildings will remain open to the public during construction. Kana‘ina building improvements include replacement of the existing accessible/wheelchair ramp and handrails to the building; accessibility improvements in the restrooms including new fixtures, grab bars, and signage; new fire alarm system; and related improvements. The Royal Guards Barracks Building improvements include new ramps to the video theater, gift shop, and lobby lockers; accessible locker; unisex restroom improvements; a new hi-lo water fountain; and related improvements. "These improvements will enhance the experience of the Monument and are part of the Lingle-Aiona Administration's ongoing efforts to upgrade our state parks statewide and to ensure accessibility, safety and comfort for all residents and visitors who use the parks," said Peter Young, DLNR chairperson. During the construction period, a temporary wheelchair/accessible entrance will be provided to accommodate users of the Kana‘ina Building. Restrooms will be closed during improvements in the respective building, but alternative facilities will be provided. In all phases of the improvements appropriate security barriers and methods will be utilized in both project areas. "We appreciate the public's patience and understanding during this period, as we construct necessary improvements to accommodate all visitors to the structures at ‘Iolani Palace State Monument,” Young added. The project contractor is Site Engineering, Inc. and the contract cost is $279,169. Completion is expected by end of June, 2007. Halekoa, also known as the ‘Iolani Barracks, was originally completed in 1871, was designed by architect Theodore Heuck to house the Royal Guard. This coral block structure contains an open courtyard surrounded by rooms once used by the guards as a mess hall, kitchen, dispensary, berth room, and lockup. Following the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy and the disbanding of the Royal Guard, ‘Iolani Barracks was used at different times as headquarters for the National Guard of Hawai‘i, temporary shelter for refugees of the 1899 Chinatown fire, a service club, a government office building, and a storage facility. The Barracks was originally located on what are now the grounds of the Hawai‘i State Capitol. After being dismantled block by block, ‘Iolani Barracks was moved and reconstructed at its present location in 1965. It now houses the Palace Shop, ticket office, video theatre, and membership office The Kana‘ina building is named for Charles Kana‘ina, a friend of Kamehameha II, and father of King Lunalilo. It was built in 1906 and was the first building in the U.S. erected solely for the custody and preservation of public archive materials. It was restored in 1987 and now houses the administrative offices of the Friends of ‘Iolani Palace and its education department and membership office. # # #
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