DLNR plans Wailuku building

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is planning to build a new, nearly $5.7 million replacement administration building on an acre in Wailuku and next to The Maui News offices.

According to a draft environmental assessment preparation notice from consultant Limtiaco Consulting Group, the department's current Maui administration building at 120 Mahalani St. was built in 1959 and "has approached the end of its useful life."

"There are observable structural deficiencies in exposed interior and exterior building elements, including severe termite and wood moisture damage . . . vertical cracks and spalls on masonry walls and corroded steel support beams," the notice says. "Sewer, water, electrical and telecommunication components are outdated and do not meet current building code requirements."

Originally built in 1959 as a juvenile detention center, the Department of Land and Natural Resources Maui office in Wailuku has suffered from severe cracks and damage to its structure over the years. The state department plans to replace the office with a nearly $5.7 million administration building, according to notice for the preparation of a draft environmental assessment. The Maui News / CHRIS SUGIDONO photo

Kristy Stone, Division of Aquatic Resources monitoring coordinator, works inside her office, which she shares with two other people, Wednesday afternoon at the Department of Land and Natural Resources Wailuku building. The Maui News / CHRIS SUGIDONO photo

It also notes inadequate space in the building occupied by personnel from the department's divisions of Aquatic Resources, State Historic Preservation and Engineering.

"Construction of a new facility would allow DLNR to provide adequate space for its current operations and improved site security and infrastructure," the notice says. "A new facility also affords the opportunity to relocate (the department's) Land Division from its deficient office in the State Building and provide them ample office and document storage space."

Aside from The Maui News, other neighbors include the Maui Community Mental Health Center, the Cameron Center and Maui Memorial Medical Center.

The project is at the beginning of its environmental review process, which will address environmental, social and economic impacts of the proposed new building. The project's timeline calls for completing the draft environmental assessment in March, with completion of the environmental review process in July. Construction may begin as early as the spring of 2016.

The new building would be energy efficient and fully accessible to people with disabilities, the preparation notice says.

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DLNR plans Wailuku building