Community input sought on library, transit hub

Puna residents are encouraged to attend a community meeting in Pahoa Wednesday to help decide the final location for a planned library and transit hub to be built in Pahoa.

The proposed facility would combine a public library — planned since 2014 — and a bus hub within Pahoa.

While the final location has not been determined, at least one of the 10 sites being considered is near the Pahoa police and fire departments off of Highway 130.

Because the potential locations of the library were near busy streets, the library project was merged with the transit hub project in order to protect children from heavy traffic when visiting the library.

The full project is estimated to cost about $11 million.

The county Mass Transit Agency and Planning Department, as well as the Hawaii State Public Library System, will host a community meeting at the Pahoa Neighborhood Facility Wednesday evening from 6-8 p.m. Residents will be able to provide input regarding the final site selection and other planning details, and learn more details about the project.