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housing buildings in the distance

Gov. Neil Abercrombie released $3.5 million for the renovation and repurposing of the former Hale Haumana student housing facility at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College into the Hospitality Academy of Maui.

“The university has partnered with local resorts to convert these four deteriorated wooded buildings into a hands-on learning laboratory for students to manage and operate a hotel operation with real public guests and resort-level rooms,” Gov. Abercrombie said. “Once complete, revenue generated at the ‘teaching hotel’ will support the operation of this unique, real-world classroom.”

Identified by the state Legislature, design and construction funds for the capital improvement project will be used for reproofing and renovation of the building walls, windows, plumbing and electrical infrastructure, along with new floors, air conditioning and lighting. Local resort partners have agreed to sponsor interior furnishings.

The Hospitality Academy of Maui is part of the UH Maui College’s Hospitality and Tourism (HOST) Program. The UH Maui College chancellor will be responsible for the overall management and operation of the project. The HOST program coordinator or designee will oversee daily operations of the Hospitality Academy of Maui, and serve as the hotel’s general manager.

—From the office of the governor

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