(BIVN) – Kamehameha Schools is moving forward with the dismantling of the old Keauhou Beach Hotel.

In May, the site was blessed and the so-called soft demolition of the hotel began.

The removal of the exterior shell of the building is part of the next phase of transforming Kahalu‘u Ma Kai into a world-class educational and cultural center.

As work continues, school officials say the public should be aware of construction activities in the vicinity of the hotel.

There seems to be a lot going in at Kalahu’u these days.

In July, a controversial 306-unit condo project planned for Kamehameha Investment Corporation lands in the area was terminated when developers – Ocean Villas – withdrew their application for a Special Management Area permit.

Simmy McMichael, one of those at the forefront of the effort to halt the project, said she hoped Kamehameha Schools would keep the lands as a cultural living center that might compliment the school’s efforts at Kahalu’u Ma Kai.

Kamehameha Schools accepted kuleana for the land, but said their priority for Kahaluʻu remained the removal of the hotel and the interpretation of sites on the ma kai property.

Plans are underway outside of Kamehameha Schools, as well.

The Hawaii County Council is considering funding new improvements at Kahaluu Beach Park.

Bill 73, introduced by Kona councilman Dru Kanuha, will add $600,000 dollars to the Capital Budget to be used for planning and design of the project.

Kahua says that with the rising sea levels and non stop wave action in the recent years, previous plans for the popular beach park have been made obsolete. Kanuha says a new plan needs to take in to account the rise in sea level, continuous damage to the current walls, structures, and facilities, and the need to create a safe environment for the public.

The measure will be taken up at the Finance Committe meeting in Hilo on November 1.