Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 28, Number 7, 1 July 2010 — KALO, building lives with a better building [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

KALO, building lives with a better building

By Francine Murray KaWai Ola One of only three platinum Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) eertified buildings in the state of Hawai'i, Kanu o ka 'Āina Learning 'Ohana (KALO) is an environmental role model. The green-building awardees have built a highly effective learning center that emits less carbon dioxide, saves energy, uses water more efficiently and manages resources sensitive to their impacts. "The kūpuna told us we needed to aloha 'āina or practice sustainability. We took that to heart and decided to reach for the highest LEED certification

possible, because it allowed us to demonstrate our commitment to the traditional value of kūlia i ka nu'u - striving to reach the highest," said Olani Lilly, Kauhale 'Ōiwi o Pu'ukapu Project Director. This Hawaiian proverb of excellence, kūlia i ka nu'u, was Queen Kapi'olani's motto. Living and breathing the Hawaiian values of mālama and aloha 'āina, KALO, whose programs include the Kanu o ka 'Āina charter school, — involved the community, including elementary through high school students, and designed the multigenerational education center, Kauhale 'Ōiwi o Pu'ukapu. The award they received is for the first building in the project named Hālau Ho'olako. Compared to traditional buildings, this green building not only reduces the impact on

the environment, it improves the health and well-being of its occupants, whieh provides optimal learning conditions. "Building Hālau Ho'olako was truly a huge learning experience for our entire learning 'ohana," said KALO Executive Director Taffi Wise. "But it was really our Project Director, Olani Lilly, who made it all happen, bringing together loeal kūpuna, architects, contractors, board members, teachers and students to plan, design and complete this beautiful building." The high-performance 9,300-square-foot structure that sits on Department of Hawaiian Homes Land in the Kūhiō Village of Waimea on the Big Island was designed open, with a residential feel to incorporate the academic, social and cultural needs of their learning 'ohana.

On weekdays it serves as a state-of-the-art puhlie charter school for students from grades six through 12. When the bells rings and school lets out, like open arms the $4.8 million facilitv welcomes neonle of all aues

for a wide range of programs. It's a plaee where students want to stay after school and family

ana rnenas nocK ror enrichment activities. A goal of Kauhale 'Ōiwi o Pu'ukapu is to initiate native communitv sustain-

ability and eeonomie development. In the summer of 201 1, Kauhale 'Ōiwi o Pu'ukapu anticipates the completion of its second green building, Hālau Pōki'i. This early childhood complex will be an education

center for children ranging from infants to the fifth grade. For information about Kanu oka 'Āina, eall 808-887-1117 or visit www.kalo.org. To learn more about LEED certification and tips, visit www. usgbc.org or www.nrdc.org/build inggreen/leed.asp. ■