More than 20 years after the project was first conceived, Gov. David Ige led community leaders Saturday in breaking ground on the new Nanakuli Public Library.

The $14.8 million project, located next to Nanaikapono Elementary School at 89-070 Farrington Highway, was designed by architect Glenn Miura of CDS International and will be built by Watts Constructors.

When completed, the 18,000-square-foot library, designed to be reminiscent of a Hawaiian village, will include a business center, meeting rooms and an outdoor program area.

The library has been designed to meet LEED Silver Certification or higher.

The new facility will include green design elements and technologies, including photovoltaics and energy-efficient lighting fixtures, will employ water-conservation strategies, and make use of natural lighting, tradewinds and other sustainable technologies.

Plans for the library were initially developed in 1994 as part of a program development report for Nanaikapono Elementary School.

In 2013, the state Legislature designated $15.5 million in land acquisition funds. Former Gov. Neil Abercrombie released thefunds money last year.