MEDIA RELEASE

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has announced the release of more than $92 million for priority Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) throughout the University of Hawaii system.

“The release of these CIP funds represents our investment for future economic stability,” Abercrombie said. “I am especially looking forward to the expansion of the University of Hawaii system in West Hawaii, where the population continues to grow. The West Hawaii Community College at Palamanui will not only create new jobs but unique academic opportunities in the science and agricultural fields.”

Allotment of funds for the following priority projects, identified by members of the state Legislature, was approved by the governor:

* $60,000,000 – University of Hawaii, statewide – Planning, design and construction for capital renewal and deferred maintenance for all UH campuses

*$19,413,000 – University of Hawaii, statewide – Systemwide health, safety and code requirements for UH campuses

* $7,500,000 – West Hawaii Community College at Palamanui, Hawaii Island – Construction for the Culinary Arts Building and Health Science and Student Services Building (Funds are in addition to $9,680,000 in private funds)

* $2,500,000 – UH West Oahu – Sitework to complete campus’ first phase, which includes creation of Kaloi Gulch Greenway along the former Kaloi Gulch alignment, and landscaping and fencing to meet city requirements to protect a photovoltaic panel array

* $1,250,000 – UH West Oahu – Construction of Road A, a four-lane private road that will be the main entrance to the UH West Oahu campus, connecting the campus to Farrington Highway

* $900,000 – UH West Oahu – Design of the Academy of Creative Media Building, which will house the creative media program (digital media production)

* $500,000 – UH West Oahu – Design of the Allied Health Building, which will include a classroom, laboratories, offices and other related spaces, as well as house the dental hygiene training program (potentially providing dental hygiene services to Leeward, North Shore and Central Oahu communities)