Hale Kalanianaole broke ground Jan. 23 for the construction of a two-story, 45,000-square-foot office building in Kapolei.

The state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands will relocate its offices to the building when it is completed in 2008.

Community leaders at the groundbreaking ceremony included Gov. Linda Lingle, Lt. Gov. James “Duke” Aiona, and Hawaiian Homes Commission chairman and director Micah Kane. Also in attendance was City Councilman Todd Apo, who represents District 1 (Ewa to Makua).

“In looking at the long-term growth of Kapolei as a true second city, the relocation of DHHL offices to the region is a huge boost,” said Apo. “It continues to send the message that Kapolei is going to be a destination and business center, not just a bedroom suburban neighborhood.

Given the fact that West Oahu is home to the highest percentage of Hawaiian Home Lands beneficiaries, the department bringing their services into this community will allow them to better achieve their goals. The commission and department are taking big steps in their role of helping the Hawaiian population. I am glad that they are focusing these efforts in West Oahu.”

The $21 million project, located at the end of Kapolei Parkway, is expected to be completed using Next Design as the design consultant and Kiewit Building Group as the building’s contractor.