MEDIA RELEASE

Honolulu – Governor Neil Abercrombie released funding for the following capital improvement projects as a part of his New Day Work Projects to create jobs and stimulate the economy. These projects are aimed at improving and/or constructing learning facilities and campus environments within the Department of Education and the University of Hawai’i.

• $635,000 to Ewa Beach Elementary School, O’ahu for upgrading transformers, electrical outlets, conduit, and electrical control panels. These upgrades support the increasing use of technology at the school. Estimated completion date is July 2013.
• $3,000,000 for design and construction of an all-weather track and field facility including drainage at Waiakea High School, Hawai’i Island, where frequent rain has caused safety concerns in the current facility. Estimated completion date is June 2013.
• $504,000 in additional design and construction for a softball field at Baldwin High School, Maui, to address unforeseen conditions encountered during site work and to comply with federal gender equity requirements. Estimated completion date is January 2012.
• $360,000 for air conditioning installation at Lehua Elementary School Library, O’ahu. The library has been without air conditioning for over a year. Air conditioning is recommended for the preservation of books and equipment and to provide a healthy learning environment. Estimated completion date is December 2012.
• $1,227,500 to renovate chorus classroom at Highlands Intermediate School, O’ahu that includes replacing the interior and exterior wall panels due to leaks and deterioration. Estimated completion date is July 2013.
• $125,000 for construction of retaining walls and drainage improvements at Benjamin Parker Elementary School, O’ahu. Estimated completion date is December 2011.
• $100,000 for construction of covered walkway at Aiea Elementary School, O’ahu. Estimated completion date is October 2012.
• $200,000 for design and construction for asbestos removal at Makaha Elementary, Pearl City Highlands Elementary, and Waipahu Elementary School. Estimated completion date is July 2013.
• $70,000 to Waikoloa Elementary School, Hawai’i Island, for installation of ramps, stairs and landings. Estimated completion date is June 2011.
• $1,350,000 for design and construction of all-weather track including drainage at Radford High School, O’ahu. Existing cinder track is a safety concern due to poor condition. Estimated completion date is June 2013.
• $450,000 for design and construction of additional staff and visitor parking at Waiakeawaena Elementary School, Hawai’i Island) within the Kino’ole Street parking area. Estimated completion date is October 2012.
• $250,000 for construction to reroof the cafeteria at Jefferson Elementary School, O’ahu. Estimated completion date is August 2012.
• $5,000,000 for design, construction, and/or relocation of temporary facility buildings at various schools statewide, including Keoneula Elementary (four), Kealakehe Elementary (three), Kalihi Waena Elementary (one), Ke Kula O Ehunuikaimalino (two), Aina Haina Elementary (one), Kohala Elementary (one SPED), and Konawaena Elementary (one SPED and one English Language Learner). Estimated completion date is November 2012.
• $30,000 for windbreaker system for the covered walkway between Buildings E and G at Enchanted Lake Elementary School, O’ahu. Estimated completion date is October 2011.
• $100,000 for construction to reroof the Building H at Jefferson Elementary School, O’ahu. The roof is damaged in multiple places due to falling tree branches, causing health and safety concern. Estimated completion date is August 2012.
• $450,000 to provide retaining walls and drainage improvements at Manana Elementary School, O’ahu due to ground erosion. Estimated completion date is December 2012.
• $1,200,000 for Kaneohe Elementary School’s Library Expansion. Funding includes special funds for design ($155,000), construction ($1,034,000), and works of art ($11,000) to support program needs and provide greater accessibility for the library.
• $3,157,000 to University of Hawai’i (UH) Maui College, Science Building. Funding includes general obligation bond funds for design ($300,000) and equipment ($2,857,000) to complete project.
• $2,500,000 to UH at Manoa, Cancer Research Center of Hawai’i. CIP includes special funds for design ($300,000), construction ($1,600,000) and equipment ($600,000) for renovations to the Laboratory Animal Service Cage Wash and Vivarium Improvements project.
• $2,000,000 in general obligation bond funds for construction to renovate UH Manoa’s Komohana Research and Extension Center in Hilo.
• $4,155,127 for the construction of a system-wide InformationTechnology Center at UH Hilo.

The New Day Work Projects include a broad-range of projects that have high social value, including irrigation systems, energy efficiency projects, educational facilities, and transportation infrastructure. Many projects are identified by members of the State Legislature for the benefit of their communities.

Since December 2010, Governor Abercrombie approved the release of about $300 million for these projects. These projects are investments paid for by using the state’s bonding power at a time while interest rates are low. The state will pay back these amounts in smaller increments over time.