More security, more privacy, and more convenience.
That's what University of Hawaii students can expect when a new dorm opens up this fall.
From the outside, it still looks like a construction site.
But Frear hall is moving right along as scheduled, and should allow students to move in by August. With the rash of break-ins in the past year, security has been improved with hotel type swipe cards for the main entry, the dorm room door, and bedroom door.
"In the future we're gonna go to the swipe system for the doors of the other residence halls. so we're gonna bring the other residence halls in line with this project," said student housing director, Mike Kaptik.
Closed circuit cameras will also be installed in the lobby. The same floor that will have an entertainment area, with pool tables, a ping pong table, and two big screen tvs. The accommodations are enough to make even the building's project manager envious.
"I lived in just about every dorm on my years here, back in the 90's, and I wish I could live in something like this," said Silas Collier.
It will also be the first dorm to have central air-conditioning. each room will have a separate cooling unit to keep track of energy use. Students will still be asked to conserve energy when possible. The building was actually built as environmentally friendly. Even the toilets have two modes for flushing, one uses less water. Cost of the project is 70 million dollars, and building it green added to the cost. but that extra cost will be offset.
"In the long run you're gonna save on your energy bills, you're gonna save on your water bills, and it's just a healthier environment for the students," said Collier.
There were 400 students on the waiting list for on campus housing last year. Frear Hall can house more than 800. But school officials says there could still be a waiting list in the fall. With these accommodations, the demand could spike.