By Lexus Yamashiro | Staff Writer

After Friday, Dec. 7, the ʻŌhiʻa cafeteria will stop its food services as it prepares for the start of renovations. The demolition process will begin on Saturday, Dec. 15, until approximately Tuesday, Jan. 1, to allow for the plans of installing a higher ceiling, extended balcony, and brighter lighting to occur.

Throughout the 2019 Spring semester, access to the seating area of the cafeteria will be restricted and food services will be relocated to the area in front of the ʻŌhiʻa building, including the walkway between ʻŌhiʻa, Naio, and ʻŌhelo.

The following “food villages” will be set up:

  • Area 1: ʻŌhiʻa vending machine area for hot foods (bentos, sandwiches, salads, wraps, beverages) from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Area 2: Grassy area between ʻŌhiʻa and Naio for grill station (burgers, hot dogs, chicken, fish specials) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Area 3: ʻŌhelo bakeshop for coffee corner (coffee, tea, baked goods, breakfast items) 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
  • Area 4: Sidewalk by Naio for KCC food truck (healthy menu options) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Seating areas will be provided near these areas for students to eat at. Due to the renovations that will take place, the 220 Grille’s services will be relocated into the Tamarind restaurant in the ʻŌhelo building and operate in correlation with the time of instruction of the culinary 220 course, which is to be announced.

According to John Richards, the dean of Hospitality and Business and Legal Technology, he hopes to work together with the KCC Chartered Student Organizations (CSOs) to develop ideas that will create a social environment during the times the “food villages” will operate.

The ʻŌhiʻa cafeteria is expected to fully operate and function again in August.