GOVERNOR LINGLE RELEASES $299,000 FOR KAWANANAKOA MIDDLE SCHOOL AUDITORIUM AND MUSIC BUILDINGS
HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle has released $299,000 to improve the auditorium (building B) and expand the music building (building C) at Kawananakoa Middle School.
The Kawananakoa auditorium built in 1936 has become a landmark in the Liliha/Nuuanu community. For over fifty years, it has hosted local, national, and international performers on its stage, utilizing the talents of the middle school’s well-respected music program and entertaining families throughout Honolulu.
“It is important that we upgrade the Kawananakoa auditorium, while maintaining the building’s historical character,” said Governor Lingle. “In so doing, we preserve a precious part of our history and create a future of performing arts opportunities for our students and the community.”
The released amount includes $157,000 to improve the auditorium’s stage, support rooms, and public spaces and upgrade the 67-year old facilities acoustics, and sound and lighting systems. An additional $126,000 will be used for electrical and plumbing improvements.
Another $16,000 will be used to expand the music building by approximately 850 square feet. This will provide additional instrument storage space while existing portions of the music building will be renovated to provide practice rooms.
“I want to thank Governor Lingle for supporting these improvements, as it reflects her understanding of the importance of Kawananakoa Auditorium to our community,” said Representative Corinne W.L. Ching, who represents Liliha and Pu`unui. “We look forward to opening this auditorium as a community resource – a gathering place for students and residents alike.”
Improvements to the music building are expected to be completed by mid-summer of 2006, and improvements to the auditorium are expected to be completed by early 2007.
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For more information, contact:
Russ Saito
State Comptroller – DAGS
Phone: 586-0400
Lenny Klompus
Senior Advisor – Communications
Phone: 586-7708
Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations
Phone: 586-0043
