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UH Manoa moving day

MANOA (KHNL) - It's moving day at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Students have started unpacking and preparing, for a new chapter in their college lives. What's new is improved security. It's part of the renovations at two of the dorm buildings here on campus.

University of Hawaii at Manoa students are entering the new school year with a newly-improved, and safer environment.

Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw toured one the renovated dorm buildings, Hale Aloha Ilima. The other is Mokihana. Both got a $12 million makeover.

"I was surprised at how nice it is because I came in here in October and it wasn't so nice and I was a little disappointed," said incoming freshman, Corina Jacobsen.

One of the safety improvements?

New lighting in the hallways to make it easier and safer to navigate through them. Also, there are new door locks.

"They're card key but the other aspect is that the doors lock behind the students so the student doesn't have to worry once the door shuts it's locked and no one is entering the room," said Michael Kaptik, Student Housing Director at UH Manoa.

This comes after a case in March, where Mark Heath was convicted of two separate sexual assault cases, one at UH. The former Schofield Barracks soldier broke into dorm rooms, stole money and underwear. In 2007, he sexually assaulted one student while armed with a pair of scissors.

"It's scary but I guess it can happen anywhere," said Tamayo Yasukawa, a parent.

The hope is that it doesn't happen at UH again.

UH has issued a traffic alert for the three-day move-in so drivers can expect a slowdown on Dole Street, Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday.

Classes for the fall semester begin Monday, the 24th.