GOVERNOR LINGLE RELEASES $2.8 MILLION FOR ALL-WEATHER TRACK AT WAIAKEA HIGH SCHOOL IN HILO
For Immediate Release: April 18, 2005
HILO – Governor Linda Lingle today announced the release of $2,800,000 for the design and construction of an all-weather track and related field improvements at Waiakea High School. She made the announcement on the track during a day long visit to Hilo, and was joined by Principal Patricia Nekoba, Athletic Director Ken Yamase, student athletes and East Hawai`i legislators.
“The new track and field will be an invaluable benefit for our student athletes,” said Yamase. “The new track will greatly improve the track program and enhance the cross country program.”
The improvements include a new and expanded all-weather rubber track with eight lanes and 80-meter turns. It will be the only public facility of its kind in Hilo, thus boosting the athletic facilities for the region.
“The new all-weather track will be a tremendous asset not only for Waiakea High School, but also for the entire Hilo community,” said Governor Lingle. “It will be a source of pride for the Waiakea Warriors as well as a training ground for athletes from University of Hawai`i-Hilo and other schools.”
The three-lane practice track at Waiakea High School has not been upgraded in over ten years. The poor maintenance of the track coupled with the severe rain in Hilo and insufficient drainage at the school has left the track badly deteriorated, with large potholes and protruding lava rocks. As a result, student athletic teams – track, soccer and football – have had to find other places safer and more suitable to hold their practices and games.
Currently, the only public schools that have all-weather tracks are Kaiser on O`ahu, Keaau and Konawaena High Schools. The construction and improvements for the new all-weather track are expected to be completed by August 2006.
####
For more information, contact:
Andy Smith
East Hawai`i Liaison
Phone: (808) 974-6262
Lenny Klompus
Senior Advisor – Communications
Phone: 586-7708
Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations
Phone: 586-0043
