CONTRACT VALUE: $84.2M
The long-awaited Kona Judiciary Complex – now known as the Keahuolu Courthouse – was designed to consolidate the court proceedings that previously took place at three different locations in Kona, none of which were originally designed or built for the needs of the local judicial system in mind. The new 3-story, 140,000-SF administrative/office facility provides the West Hawaii community with a secure, efficient, and modern court facility that accommodates the area’s projected growth in population and court caseload.
The complex itself features two family courts, two district courts, two standard size courts, and one large circuit courtroom; additional areas include a law library, self-help center, conference rooms, holding cells, witness rooms, attorney interview rooms, and a grand jury meeting room. The building also houses a temporary detention facility on the 1st floor. As such, plans included state-of-the-art security and electronic equipment. The building is equipped with a sophisticated access control and surveillance system, and most of the doors are strictly controlled via a centralized ACS controlled electrical locking system with card keys.
The complex’s architecture and character was designed to be consistent with the vistas of the West Hawaii community. The interior design mirrors local culture, surrounding landscapes, and local values. The building was also designed to be water, energy, and environmentally efficient and sustainable. While construction included the provision of 290 parking stalls for public and employee vehicles, the design also included space for future expansion or courtroom additions.
