MEDIA RELEASE

Gov. Linda Lingle has released $625,080 for improvements to five public health facilities on the Big Island, Kauai and Oahu managed by the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation. 

These projects are in addition to the $1.87 billion public infrastructure construction plan unveiled last month by Lingle to stimulate the economy and create jobs.

“Improvements to our public health facilities remain critical as we work to develop innovative solutions to address the state’s fiscal situation, while also moving forward with initiatives to improve residents’ quality of life,” Lingle said. “These projects include needed enhancements that will benefit hospital patients and staff statewide.”

Allocations for the Big Island include: 

Kohala Hospital – $248,000 will cover design and construction to remodel patient bathrooms, re-tile flooring and paint interior and exterior walls. The total project cost is estimated to be $753,000. Design is scheduled to begin this month and be completed in April 2009. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2009 and be completed in February 2011.

Hale Hoola Hamakua – $202,000 will finance the construction of repairs to the hospital’s interior and exterior walls and ceilings. Construction is scheduled to begin this month and be completed in April 2009. 

Kona Community Hospital – $77,770 in construction funds will be used to install new air handlers as part of air-conditioning upgrades at the hospital. The total project cost is $101,270, which includes $23,500 in design funds previously released by the governor. Construction is scheduled to begin this month and be completed in March 2009.