GOVERNOR LINGLE RELEASES $1,840,000 FOR METHANE MITIGATION AT PIER 38 FISHING VILLAGE

For Immediate Release: April 6, 2005

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle has released $1,840,000 for additional methane mitigation at the Commercial Fishing Village at Pier 38 in Honolulu Harbor.  The Governor made the announcement today as she toured the recently opened fish auction house with Lt. Governor James R. “Duke” Aiona, Jr., and members of their cabinet. 

Design funds in the amount of $400,000 will finance the costs of preparing plans, designs and specifications for methane mitigation at the Commercial Fishing Village for two of the nine parcels that are under lease negotiations with a wholesale and retail fish vendor.  In addition, $1,440,000 has been released in construction funds, which will include environmental studies, mitigation, utility services, roadways and other related improvements for the two parcels. 

“I am excited to see this project finally completed, for the sake of our taxpayers and the fishing industry,” said Governor Lingle.  “This facility is a showcase for Hawai`i’s fishing industry and is already attracting residents and visitors.  The state will continue to implement the necessary methane mitigation measures to ensure the area is safe for the people who work in and visit the Fishing Village.”

In 2003, the Lingle-Aiona Administration dedicated $1,425,000 to install protective methane barriers and an underground piping system to reduce potential build-up of methane gas on the parcel that is now home to one of two anchor tenants, Pacific Ocean Producers, as well as within the nearby multi-user building that was completed in August 2001.  That facility, built under the previous administration at a cost of $15.5 million, did not open because of the potential health and safety hazards.

The Commercial Fishing Village is divided into nine separate parcels.  One houses the multi-user building.  Two anchor tenants opened for business last year – the United Fishing Agency fish auction facility and Pacific Ocean Producers, which provides supplies to the commercial fisherman and their vessels, as well as the auction house.  The funds released by the Governor will be used for methane mitigation systems on two parcels that the state is currently negotiating to lease.  As the state signs leases on the remaining parcels, the Department of Transportation’s Harbors Division will work with the respective tenants to design and install methane mitigation systems as necessary. 

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For more information, contact:
Rod Haraga  
Director, Dept. of Transportation  
Phone: 587-2150

Lenny Klompus
Senior Advisor – Communications
Phone: 586-7705

Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations
Phone: 586-0043