Investing in Infrastructure

“This continuing investment in our state’s infrastructure to improve residents’ quality of life will ensure that Hawai‘i’s elementary, middle and high school students have safe and well-maintained classrooms and facilities where they can learn and participate in school activities,” said Governor Lingle.

The $15 million will be used to begin $66,461,000 worth of improvements at 248 schools statewide. The projects include electrical repairs, reroofing, resurfacing of driveways and drainage improvements, and are scheduled to be completed by June 2010.  The release of the remainder of funds will be requested by the Department of Education (DOE) as part of future appropriations.

The $10 million allotment will be used to continue the conversion of cesspools at schools statewide to meet a consent decree deadline of September 2009. Projects covered by these funds include cesspool conversions at Waimea Elementary School, Waimea Middle School and Kohala High School on the Big Island; Anahola School on Kaua‘i; and the first phase of work at Lāhainaluna High School on Maui.  Part of the allotment will also be used to purchase tanks for schools that will be funded as part of the next request.  The DOE will request the release of an additional $39 million for cesspool conversions as project work progresses and crews are available to start.

An additional $1.8 million was also released by the Governor this week for capital improvement projects at two O`ahu schools and two planning studies covering schools on O`ahu and statewide.

"The maintenance of Hawai`i's public schools remains a top priority for my Administration," said Governor Lingle. "We must continue to move forward with improvements and infrastructure upgrades that will provide our students with a safe and comfortable environment in which to learn and grow."

Investments in infrastructure are a critical part of the Governor's six-point plan to boost Hawai`i's economy. The Governor has released close to $60 million in the past month for school improvements and $60 million for construction backlog at UH campuses statewide.