It was move-in day at the University of Hawaii as thousands headed to their new digs in Manoa.
This was an especially exciting day for 196 students.
"Right in the middle m’am," said a police officer directing traffic.
"If you just want to pull up a little bit more and we can help you unload," said a student volunteer.
Helping hands…
"Can you handle?"
Helping fellow students to their new rooms.
"Just make sure you put your emergency contact here."
In this case, newly renovated rooms.
"It was really sorely needed and long overdue but we’re really excited about the outcome," said UH Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw.
Welcome to the new and improved Johnson Hall. A year-long $6.7 million renovation project was completed just in time for Tuesday’s big move.
"Even though they’re small they’re really heavy, after you know the first six or so," said resident advisor Michael Hanakahi.
"This is an exciting time to watch the transformation of these buildings and see our students and families enjoying it, it’s fantastic," said Hinshaw.
Maui High graduate Marissa Enriques thinks it’s pretty fantastic too. "The ceilings used to be like you know termite eaten," she said. The junior to be remembers the old Johnson Hall A Building which was built in 1958, building B was constructed in ’62, the total cost $897,000. "And the frames are new, the windows are new, they used to have like glass jalousies."
This is not your father’s Johnson Hall, not by a long-shot.
"If a student goes into a bathroom, it’s only one student using this bathroom at a time," said Director of Student Housing Mike Kaptik. "It’s all self contained, you have a shower, a toilet and a sink and you can individually lock yourself in here and there’s six of these bathrooms per floor."
"I’m kind of a germ freak so I check out the bathrooms, the bathrooms are really nice and clean," said Ivy Aquila who’s daughter is an incoming freshman.
No more community style bathrooms and all 98 rooms are fully renovated.
"They’ve got brand new carpet and the ceilings are nice and high and it’s very nice, it doesn’t feel like you’re in a box," said Aquila.
"It’s all new so it’s my germs, my space, I don’t feel like there’s ever been anyone else in this room and I really get to make it my own," said sophomore and Johnson Hall resident Rachel Turner.
With its reopening, the majority of of the nearly 4,000 on-campus housing units are either new or newly renovated.
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
