So much of the news these days concerns cuts and recession that it's delightful to see prospects for growth and expanding horizons.

In the next few months, Kamehameha Schools will secure a gift of 66 acres from developer Jeffrey Stone and the Weinberg Trust. Kamehameha already is deeply engaged in Wai'anae educational programs, but this gift could be transformational.

The land is in Makaha and over the next 15 years, Kamehameha plans to build a "learning innovation complex" there, with several components to be phased in. The picture now is only a sketch — the planning and discussions are in the earliest stages — but the concept is promising.

The vision is for a building complex that would be a home to early-education programs for Leeward keiki; enrichment programs for public school students of the area; and adult educational opportunities. There could be multimedia and computer facilities, classrooms for language immersion programs, an athletic field, a working taro lo'i and gardens to learn the culture and business of farming.

The location is ideal, Kamehameha staffers say, because the coast is home to 30,000 Native Hawaiians, the target beneficiaries of its educational trust. But its development is a boon to all coast residents, who would have access to the learning opportunities as well.

Public school officials, businesses, residents and nonprofits that collectively serve Leeward O'ahu should be tapped to help bring the vision to fruition.

Kamehameha has long sought a permanent facility on the Wai'anae Coast. With the community's help, Kamehameha has a chance to dramatically advance its mission. The possibilities seem boundless.