A small non-profit has big plans for a project in west Oahu.
Right now, it's three acres of grass fronting Kapolei High School. But by mid-2010, this area will begin to change.
Through a partnership between the high school and Malama Learning Center, an environmental education center will take shape.
"I was working with the Nature Conservancy at the time and we partnered with the school to say what if we created something in this part of the island, a growing community that taught about conservation, environment and taking care of our place," said Pauline Sato.
These artists' renderings were done by the architectural firm 8 Inc. The company won international awards for their concept.
"We've been supporting Malama Learning Center ever since, they've been trying to raise money for the project and we're about to move into construction in June," said Mark Little with 8 Inc.
Eight Inc. was chosen from more than 200 firms that entered designs for the center.
"We do try focus on sustainable architecture so this is a real milestone for us in terms of demonstrating innovative and new sustainable design in Hawaii," said Little.
This is a long term project and Sato says that just makes sense.
"We're doing this - it's for us today, but also thinking down the line in the future. We all love Hawaii, it's a beautiful place to live but if we don't take care of it, we can't guarantee that's going to happen so we really have to work with the youth today - who are actually influencing their parents as well," said Sato.
The Malama Learning Center, according to Sato, will be a gathering place where the community learns to perpetuate the Hawaiian culture and values of caring for the land and sea, and be inspired through classes, workshops, performances, volunteer service projects and creative arts.
"Also, we're integrating art in it as well because it's inspirational. We want this to be a very inspirational project that makes people want to do more," said Sato.
