GOVERNOR LINGLE RELEASES $692,300 FOR SOFTBALL FIELDS AT RADFORD AND WAIPAHU HIGH SCHOOLS
For Immediate Release: April 13, 2005
HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle has released $631,000 to construct a new women’s softball field at Radford High School, as well as $61,300 to upgrade the existing softball field at Waipahu High School.
The new Radford softball field will include a scoreboard, dugouts, backstop and fencing. The funds will also be used to construct an accessible route to the parking stalls and restrooms. The total project cost is $709,000, with $78,000 previously allotted. The new field is expected to be completed by September 2006.
The funds released for the Waipahu softball field will be used to complete upgrades to the dugouts, backstop, bleachers, as well field improvements and accessible parking. The total project cost is $285,300, with $224,000 previously allotted. The Waipahu High School softball field improvements are scheduled to be completed by September 2005, in time for next year’s softball season.
“The provision of women’s softball fields is important to promoting girls’ athletics,” said Governor Lingle. “In this case, the softball fields will be a source of pride to the Radford Rams and Waipahu Marauders, enabling them to practice and compete at their respective schools.”
Sports opportunities for Hawai`i girls have grown tremendously in the last 30 years, since the passing of the federal law known as Title IX which mandates gender equity in school athletics. However, facilities to accommodate girls’ sports have lagged. Girls often have to use community parks for softball games and practices.
Upgrading and constructing these softball fields fulfills the federal gender equity requirements and complies with Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility requirements. Furthermore, it is in accordance with a state plan to provide softball fields to all high schools that have sufficient land.
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For more information, contact:
Russ Saito
Comptroller, DAGS
Phone: 586-0400
Lenny Klompus
Senior Advisor – Communications
Phone: 586-7708
Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations
Phone: 586-0043
