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Camp Smith BEQs get the new home feel

USMC

Story Identification Number: 2003228161232
Story by Cpl. Luis R. Agostini

CAMP H. M. SMITH, Hawaii(Feb. 28, 2003) -- Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Camp H. M. Smith, bachelor enlisted quarters built in 1970 are more than halfway near complete interior renovation.

The BEQ, consisting of four barracks buildings, is home to more than 120 Marines and Sailors.

The Honolulu-based construction company, Ocean House Builders, was awarded the $5.2 million contract in August 2001.

The decision to renovate rather than demolish the current barracks buildings and build new ones were based on budgetary factors, said Edmund Urabe, general engineer, Marine Forces Pacific Headquarters and Service Battalion.

"We looked at the value of the barracks, and took into consideration the costs of repair and renovation versus the costs of building new barracks," said Urabe. "Also, the barracks at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, were twenty years older than the ones here. That's why those barracks were rebuilt."

The barracks renovation involves two projects: Bldgs. 401 and 402 repairs, and Bldgs. 403 and 404 repairs.

Building 404 was completed in August 2002. Work on Bldg. 403 began immediately after 404 completed, and was completed in January. Currently, the contractor is working in Bldg. 401.

Building 402 has an estimated completion date of November 2003.

The original project for the repairs was conceived in February 1997 and the scope of work only involved replacing the windows and upgrading the electrical system to meet current codes, said Urabe.

However, with input from the tenants, and after reviewing the maintenance requirements for the barracks, the scope was expanded to include replacing the walkway railings, gutting and renovating the bathrooms, replacing the toilets, retiling the living area floors and shower stalls, and concealing all the conduits for electrical, television, and telephone cables behind new drywall and ceilings. The old jalousie windows have been replaced with awning type windows with tinted glass as well.

The added features to the barracks have been accepted with open arms from residents.

"It's nice to have drywall now, instead of bricks," said Pfc. Steve Sebby, press operator, base reproduction, Marine Forces Pacific. "The bathrooms are also much better."

Even the barracks sergeant agrees.

"The living conditions are much better," said Sgt. Kelly Persich, embarking noncommissioned officer, S-4, MarForPac Headquarters and Service Bn., who also serves as Camp Smith BEQ sergeant. "There are more electrical outlets, better toilets, windows, doors, etc. Everything that is supposed to work, works."

"The end product will be four barracks buildings that are neat, modernized and will improve the quality of life for single Marines stationed here," said Urabe.