MEDIA RELEASE

HONOLULU – Part of the more than $7.48 million of funds released by Governor Neil Abercrombie to the state Department of Education (DOE) for various Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) will benefit schools in North Kona.

“The improvements along Mamalahoa Hwy in Holualoa will help to ensure the safety of students, teachers, and the whole community,” said Representative Denny Coffman (District 6 -North Kona, Keauhou, Kailua-Kona, Honokohau). “The release of funding for special education is needed and appreciated. I wanted to acknowledge and thank the governor for releasing this funding.”

Representative Cindy Evans (District 7 – North Kona, South Kohala) said that this release of CIP funds is “much needed because there is much growth in the area,” and stated that “we’re in discussion with the Department of Education to build a new Elementary School in North Kona.”

• $1,000,000 – Special education renovations at various schools statewide – Special education portable classrooms at Pa’ia and Makakilo Elementary Schools, and trailer classrooms at Kihei Elementary School, Waipahu Intermediate School, and Kealakehe High School, as funding permits
• $280,000 – Holualoa Elementary School, Hawai’i Island – Design for a pedestrian buffer to ensure the safety of students and staff on campus.