For Immediate Release: February 20, 2009
HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle has released $1,251,290 for improvements to three Department of Health facilities on O‘ahu, Kaua‘i and Maui. These projects are in addition to the $1.87 billion public infrastructure construction plan unveiled by Governor Lingle in December 2008 to stimulate the economy and create jobs.
“Health centers increase access to important health care services and serve a vital function in our community,” said Governor Lingle. “These projects will improve the overall delivery of these services by providing a more comfortable environment for residents seeking care and better working conditions for health center staff.”
The funds will be used for the following projects:
Windward Health Center – O‘ahu
$26,000 in design funds and $231,000 in construction funds will finance renovations to the health center’s Mental Health Clinic. Improvements include creating separate entrances for adult and child patients and enclosing a covered lanai to form a separate children’s waiting room, which will help the center provide its young clients with the best service and support necessary to overcome their mental illness.
Design is scheduled to begin in February 2009 and be completed in July 2009. Construction is scheduled to begin in December 2009 and be completed in May 2010.
Līhu‘e Health Center Annex – Kaua‘i
$61,000 in design funds and $353,290 in construction funds will be used to reroof the center’s annex building and replace rooftop mechanical equipment. The roof of the annex building is 19 years old and due for replacement. The roof-top mechanical equipment, installed in 1978, is badly rusted and has deteriorated beyond repair. The units are no long weather-tight, which has allowed water to leak into the building and cause damage.
Design is scheduled to begin in February 2009 and be completed in August 2009. Construction is scheduled to begin in January 2010 and be completed in July 2010.
Wailuku Health Center – Maui
$48,000 in design funds and $532,000 in construction funds will be used to install central air-conditioning. Built in 1967, the Wailuku Health Center is a one-story, 10,000 square-foot building that was designed for natural ventilation with louvered windows. However, federal law requires that doors be kept shut and ground-level windows covered with curtains or blinds in order to protect client privacy. The installation of air-conditioning will address hot temperatures inside the center and provide more comfortable conditions for staff and clients.
Design is scheduled to begin in February 2009 and be completed in August 2009. Construction is scheduled to begin in January 2010 and be completed in August 2010.
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For more information, contact:
Russ Saito
Comptroller, DAGS
Phone: (808) 586-0400
Lenny Klompus
Senior Advisor – Communications
Phone: (808) 586-7708
Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations
Phone: (808) 586-0043
For more information, contact:
