GOVERNOR LINGLE RELEASES $1,733,000 FOR UH COLLEGE OF TROPICAL AGRICULTURE AND HUMAN RESOURCES COOPERATIVE EXTENSION PROGRAMS ON BIG ISLAND AND MOLOKA`I
For Immediate Release: April 22, 2005
HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle has released $1.6 million to fund the design of renovations and improvements to the Komohana Agricultural Complex in Hilo and $133,000 to finance the design of a new facility for the Moloka`i Extension Program. Both projects support facilities for the University of Hawai`i-College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR). She made the announcement last night at the 17th Annual CTAHR Awards Banquet.
The Hilo project will provide Komohana Agricultural Complex with state-of-the-art laboratories, laboratory support spaces, offices, greenhouses and greenhouse support facilities for the CTAHR faculty in Hilo. The project is expected to be completed in August 2007 at a total cost of $14.5 million.
The Moloka`i project will provide a permanent building for the Moloka`i Extension Program, which currently operates out of a renovated farm building that it shares with the Maui Community College of Agriculture Program. The farm building provides less than half of the space needed by the extensions program, is not compliant with accessibility standards, and does not have potable water and fire protection. The Moloka`i project is scheduled for completion in March 2007 at a total cost of $1.1 million.
“Maintaining and expanding CTAHR is important because it celebrates Hawai`i’s agricultural heritage through continuing education programs and valuable research,” said Governor Lingle. “The Moloka`i Extension Program will foster economic and community development on Moloka`i and the renovations of Komohana Agricultural Complex will enhance the research opportunities available to the Big Island community.”
“Releasing the funds to renovate CTAHR’s Hilo facility and construct a new building for our Moloka`i Extension Program means that CTAHR can continue its outstanding work in facilities deserving of the college’s national and international reputation. I thank the Governor for recognizing the many fine contributions the college makes to our state,” said UH Interim President David McClain.
CTAHR differs from other colleges at the University of Hawai`i in that its “campus” is statewide, having, in addition to its headquarters on the Manoa campus, faculty, staff, 15 branch research stations and 12 cooperative extension offices located throughout the state.
In 2007, the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources and the University of Hawai`i will celebrate its 100th anniversary.
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For more information, contact:
Lenny Klompus
Senior Advisor – Communications
Phone: 586-7708
Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations
Phone: 586-0043
