The new Waianae Police Station, almost four times the size of the previous substation, serves as a much-needed community resource that will help discourage crime, officials say.

“This (new station) allows us to be here in the community,” said police Maj. Kurt Kendro of District 8, which includes Waianae. “I think the presence will help reduce crime and create better partnerships with the community.”

Kendro and community residents attended the official opening of the $16.4 million station Friday, 10 years after planning began under former Honolulu Police Chief Boisse Correa.

The two-story, 25,172-square-foot building on Farrington Highway, situated between Waianae Valley Road and Bayview Street, replaces the previous 53-year-old, single-story substation, which was demolished in 2014.

Dozens of representatives from Hawaiian civic clubs, the Royal Order of Kamehameha I and neighborhood boards, as well as city and state officials, assembled for the blessing and dedication ceremony.

Previously, officials unveiled the building when construction was completed in March, and have since been moving in equipment for daily operations.

“I got chicken skin,” said John DeSoto, a longtime resident and former City Council chairman. “It’s a need not just because of the physical presence, but the spiritual part. We as a community are coming together. It’s very exciting.”

The new station features 14 holding cells with separate areas for men, women, adults and juveniles. The previous substation had three holding cells. It’s also fitted with bulletproof windows, an emergency generator, more than 5,000 square feet of space for expansion on the upper floor, a full-service receiving desk and a 90-foot radio tower.

The new radio tower, which is more than twice the height of its predecessor, was built to withstand a Category 4 hurricane.

In addition, of the more than 60 parking stalls at the station, 22 will be available for those using nearby Pokai Bay Beach Park.

The front of the building will feature a ceramic mural by Waianae artist Mark Ka-dota. The artwork, which cost $80,000, was selected from 77 submissions.

The old Waianae substation opened in 1961 in response to population growth and a need for a facility until a permanent station could be built. In 1994 Waianae became part of District 8, which spans Ewa to Waianae and is staffed with 170 officers.

After the old substation was demolished, officers worked out of the Waianae Neighborhood Community Center.

Kendro said the new facility is a fully operational police station, which means officers are now able to process prisoners and will offer the same services as the Kapolei Police Station.

City Councilwoman Kymberly Pine, who introduced a resolution last year calling for more officers along the Leeward Coast, said she believes the new station will help reduce crime.

“It’s an example of what Waianae deserves, and it has brought them (residents) so much pride to have a high-quality police station in the community,” Pine said. “We don’t want Waianae to be forgotten.”