GOVERNOR LINGLE RELEASES $338,000 FOR RENOVATIONS AT SAMUEL MAHELONA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL ON KAUA`I

For Immediate Release:  May 26, 2005

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle has released $338,000 to renovate bathrooms in the long-term care area of the Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital on Kaua`i. 

Built in the 1950s, the Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital, just outside Kapa`a town on Kaua`i, has a 70-bed long-term care area, two acute hospital beds, a nine-bed psychiatric ward and some 20 bathrooms, the majority of which are semi-private group bathrooms servicing up to four or five patients each.  The bathrooms in the long-term care area have not been upgraded since the facility was originally built, and are in very poor condition.  The tiled floors and walls are cracked and discolored, and the plumbing system is corroded and under constant repair. 

The renovation project will involve demolishing and rebuilding the old bathrooms.  The existing walls, flooring, ceilings, dividers, windows, plumbing fixtures and electrical equipment will all be removed and replaced with new amenities.  The renovations will conform to all necessary life safety and code requirements. 

“I look forward to the completion of this project, as it will improve the quality of life for our seniors at Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital,” said Governor Lingle.

The project is expected to be completed by June 2006.

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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