David Y. Ige

Link to photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/govhawaii/sets/72157662158916278/

 

HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige, cabinet members, state employees and representatives from the royal societies celebrated today the re-dedication of the Princess Victoria Kamāmalu Building on the 179th anniversary of the princess’ birth.

“I made it a priority to move our public servants back into this state-owned facility to improve efficiency, enhance collaboration and increase cost savings. I’m pleased that the state will see a lease cost savings of $2.2 million going forward” said Gov. Ige.

Employees of the departments of health and human services occupy the building. For the first time in decades, three of the four Department of Human Services’ division administrative offices are housed in one central location. Additionally, the attached agency, the Office of Youth Services (OYS) also moved to the Princess Victoria Kamāmalu Building.

“Having three of our four divisions and one attached agency in one building will help us achieve our collective department goals. I believe that our move into Kamāmalu building is a win-win – it brings the department closer as an ‘ohana so we can serve Hawai‘i more efficiently and effectively,” said DHS Director Pankaj Bhanot.

“I’m delighted to have our staff work in this historic building which is conveniently located near the Capitol, providing better access to the public, said Health Director Dr. Virginia Pressler. “Our Early Intervention Services, Disability and Communication Access Board, and State Council on Developmental Disabilities are excited to serve the public in their new location.”

Princess Victoria Kamāmalu Building Facts

• The total cost to rehab the building was $27,203,900.
• Lease cost savings to the state are approximately $2.2 million per year.
• The contractor was Ralph Inouye Co. Ltd.
• The project began in March 2015 and was accepted by the state on Feb. 28, 2017.
• The building has nine floors, and there are offices in the basement.
• Three divisions of the department of human services occupy floors 2-7:
  • Social Services Administrative Offices for Child Welfare Services and Adult Protective and Community Services
  • Benefit, Employment and Support Services for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition and Assistance Program) and related aid to families, Child Care Program, and Homeless Program
  • Vocational Rehabilitation
  • Office of Youth Services (an attached agency)
• The department of health occupies floors 8-9, and the Disability Communication Access Board is located in room 118.

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Media Contacts:

Cindy McMillan
Communications Director
Office of the Governor
Office: 808-586-0012
Mobile: 808-265-7974
[email protected]