Honolulu, Hawaii — The University of Hawaii - Manoa is in the midst of completing a $138 million modernization program of its student housing facilities. Projects currently under construction include the approximately  $24 million renovation of Hale Aloha Towers. Two of the project's four towers opened last fall. The second phase of construction, which will consist of the other two towers, will be complete this summer. Development is also under way for the renovation of Johnson Hall, which is slated for completion in 2011. Renovations are also being proposed to Gateway Hall, but the construction timetable for the project has not been finalized. Renovations to the residence halls have included the replacement of windows, roof repairs, upgraded building systems, new security systems and the redesign of public areas, among other improvements. The centerpiece of the modernization program was the construction of the new Frear Hall (pictured left), a $71 million project that consisted of a 12-story, 810-bed building that replaced the former Frear Hall. The building opened in 2008 and received LEED-Silver certification.

— Coleman Wood