GOVERNOR LINGLE RELEASES MORE THAN $120 MILLION FOR SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
Governor, Students, and Teachers Kick Off New School Year at State Capitol, Washington Place
For Immediate Release: August 16, 2003
HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle today announced the release of $120,183,525 for capital improvement projects (CIP) as well as repair and maintenance (R&M) at public schools across the state. The Governor made the announcement during a “Back-To-School” celebration at the State Capitol and Washington Place that was attended by public school students, educators and family members.
“As the new school year gets underway, we want to let our students and educators know that improving Hawai`i’s public education is one of our highest priorities,” said Governor Lingle. “Part of this responsibility is to ensure our public schools offer safe and comfortable learning and teaching environments.”
Thirty-five million dollars is earmarked for more than 700 different repair and maintenance projects, such as classroom and restroom renovations; re-roofing; termite treatment and fumigation; installation of new rain gutters; upgrading fire alarm systems; and drainage improvement.
$85,183,525 is earmarked for various CIP projects, including fire safety improvements; upgrades to athletic facilities to meet gender equity requirements; classroom, building, and playground renovations to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act; structural repairs; lead paint and asbestos removal; furniture and equipment purchases; installation of air conditioning; telecommunications and electrical system upgrades; parking and traffic improvements; cesspool removal; and portable restrooms.
“As I visit schools around the state, I continue to see the neglect many of these campuses have endured over the years. While teachers and students should be commended for making the best with what they have, we are committed to working with the DOE and the Legislature to improve the physical environment of our schools, so our students and teachers can focus their full attention on learning,” the Governor added.
Close to 500 students, educators and family members from public schools across O`ahu joined Governor Lingle, Lt. Governor James R. Duke Aiona Jr., and members of the administration to help kick off the new school year.
The Pearl City High School Marching Band entertained guests in the Capitol Rotunda, while the Departments of Transportation and Health provided educational exhibits with information on various ways to beat the back-to-school traffic, road safety tips, and health immunization. The state Department of Defense also displayed military vehicles at the State Capitol. Meanwhile, at Washington Place, staff and volunteers gave students guided tours of the historic home of Hawai`i’s governor’s, and provided the guests refreshments and various activities.
Governor Lingle stated the idea for inviting the students to Washington Place came up during a visit to Ka`ewai Elementary School earlier this year. As the Governor toured the school campus to inspect the badly damaged buildings and sidewalks, the students asked if they could visit Washington Place. “We’re so fortunate to have this important piece of our state’s history and culture available to the public, and we want to share it with the keiki and their families so they can learn about Hawai`i’s rich heritage,” said Governor Lingle.
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Contact:
Lenny Klompus
Senior Advisor – Communications
Phone: 586-7705
Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations
Phone: 586-0043
