When the Barbers Point Naval Air Station was transferred to the state back in 1998, Hangar 111 had special provisions attached. The U.S. Department of Education maintained authority and gave the University of Hawaii the rights to the hangar for $1 per year to be utilized for "education and research only".  Sounds great but it was easier said than done. 

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The Honolulu Community College under the UH system offers aviation course and both the aviation maintenance technician and pilot training courses were based at their Lagoon Drive facility at DKY International Airport (Honolulu). Even though the facility's footprint could accommodate both courses it was decided that the flight school would move to Kalaeloa.

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The flight school took a very small percentage of the 102,278 sq. ft. hangar.