Check Six: Johnson Hall

Johnson Hall was originally built in 1958, one of the first residence halls constructed on the University of Hawai`i at Manoa campus!  It closed its doors in Fall 2010 to undergo a $6.7 million reconstruction project that would include a redesign of its student rooms, bathrooms, public areas, exterior and basement.  The modernized 196 bed, three story building reopened in Fall 2011 and includes new features such as ADA accessible bathrooms and a new fire suppression and alarm system.  The new Johnson Hall provides students with a supportive living and learning environment in which they can successfully pursue their academic dreams.

AND there’s a Hawaii National Guard connection.

Johnson Hall was named after John Alexander Johnson, Jr. (1914-1944) who was an active student leader during his collegiate career at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.  He graduated in 1935 with degrees in business and economics.  Johnson was called to active duty with the National Guard in 1940 and was one of the few non-Nisei members of the famous 100th Battalion.  He was killed in action during the Battle of Cassino, a pivotal and costly series of battles waged by Allied forces with the goal of breaking through German lines and seizing Rome.