A blessing ceremony was held today for the first of two Phase II improvements at the University of Hawai`i at Hilo's North Hawai`i Education and Research Center (NHERC).

The Center, located in the old Honoka`a hospital, serves as UH Hilo's outreach center for the North Hawai`i region stretching from Laupahoehoe through the Hamakua Coast to Kohala and Waikoloa.

Since opening two years ago, NHERC has become a valuable community resource and gathering place by offering introductory college courses, a wide variety of specialty classes sponsored by the Osher Life Long Learning Center, a speaker's series, and hosting various special events, programs and conferences.

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