Pearl Harbor Holds Groundbreaking for Child Development Center

By Thomas Obungen, Naval Facilities Engineering Command Hawaii Public Affairs

June 8, 2010 - PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- A traditional Hawaiian blessing and groundbreaking ceremony took place June 4 to mark the start of construction on the largest of three new Child Development Centers (CDC) to be built on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH).

"This 30,000-square-foot facility will provide a structured, age-appropriate learning environment for more than 300 Navy and Air Force infants and toddlers," said Capt. Richard W. Kitchens, commander, JBPHH. "And just as important, well deserved peace of mind for their parents."

Upon completion of the construction project in October 2011, the childcare backlog in Pearl Harbor is expected to be significantly reduced.

Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Pacific awarded the $18.9 million contract to Hawaiian Dredging Construction Company Inc. to design and build the facility with environmental, education and security goals in mind.

The new CDC is expected to attain Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver status or certification. This means it will meet a highly-specific set of requirements related to sustainability and efficiency in design and maintenance.

"There are various levels of LEED, with Silver being the lowest," said Capt. David Bustamante, NAVFAC Hawaii's executive officer. "However, there are certain initiatives underway to modify this contract to include photovoltaic panels to raise it to LEED Platinum, the highest rating."

When opened, the CDC will feature 23 classrooms for infants, pre-toddlers, toddlers and preschoolers. The contract also calls for the construction of an administration office, a building that houses a kitchen, laundry room and storage, as well as a safe drop-off and pick-up area in the parking lot.

The facility will be rectangular in shape with an enclosed secure center courtyard that will feature outdoor play areas. There will also be a guarded pedestrian gate on Center Drive, which will allow easy access for drop off and pick up of children.