Hundreds of youths participate annually in events and services offered by the Paia Youth and Cultural Center. A meeting will be held Thursday, Jan. 8, at the center to discuss plans for new facilities. Courtesy photo

At risk of sea-level rise, the Paia Youth and Cultural Center is hosting a public open house and presentation for its plans for new nearby facilities.

The meeting will be at 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8, at the center adjacent to Paia Park.

“We’re super excited to be doing this,” said Billy Jalbert, president of the nonprofit’s board. “Our keiki deserve a place they can count on.”

Most importantly, he said, the project is about ensuring the Paia Youth & Cultural Center can continue serving North Shore youth safely and reliably, even as shoreline continues to change.

According to Jalbert, the center is operating in a century-old plantation building — the last of several that once stood along an eroding shoreline.

He said the new youth center on county-leased land is being developed through a managed retreat from the shoreline, partially based on sea-level rise.

According to the center, attendees will hear from professionals involved in environmental review, architecture and youth programming, and people will be able to see preliminary design concepts and project materials that illustrate the proposed new facility.

The planned facility would expand space for youth programs, including multimedia, cultural activities, mentorship and outdoor programs, while incorporating sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems.

According to the center, the design also aims to improve safety and accessibility, while embracing sustainable materials, energy-efficient systems and responsible construction practices.

Jalbert said the nonprofit has held community meetings and worked with architects in recent years to gather information.

Officials at the center expect to move through the county’s review and permitting process in 2026 with a target of breaking ground in 2027.

Founded in 1993, the center serves hundreds of youths across Paia and the North Shore through programs such as Radio KOPO-LP, the Hekili Multimedia Lab, Paia Bay Cafe and the StoneWave Skate Park.

Jalbert said the center serves anywhere from 300 to 600 youth annually, and as a testament to the center’s programming, many of its volunteers are alumni.

“We’re continuing to expand,” he said.