GOVERNOR LINGLE RELEASES $1,500,000 TO THE NISEI VETERANS MEMORIAL CENTER ON MAUI

For Immediate Release:  July 30, 2005

KAHULUI, MAUI – Governor Linda Lingle today announced the release of a $1.5 million grant-in-aid for the Nisei Veterans Memorial Center (NVMC) at the Center’s groundbreaking “Pour the Slab” ceremony on Maui.

“As one of Hawai`i’s first intergenerational centers, this facility will combine an adult day care center and a preschool in one location,” said Governor Lingle.  “The center will address our state’s growing need for adult care and early childhood education, and recognize the deep sense of commitment between our keiki and kupuna.”

The Nisei Veterans Memorial Center Corporation, formed in 1991, began construction in September 2004 on an intergenerational center that will stand as living memorial to honor the Japanese-American veterans of World War II, including men of the 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and Military Intelligence Service.  The preschool and most of the site work has been completed.  The $1.5 million will complete the Adult Day Care building, which will open its doors in Spring 2006. 

“We are grateful for these state funds that will complete the Center and provide the community with quality care and education for our youth and elders,” said NVMC Board President Hiroshi Arisumi. “This center will honor a generation of patriots, reflecting their values of caring for the young and the old.”

The 2.2-acre site was donated by Alexander & Baldwin.

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For more information, contact:
Lenny Klompus  
Senior Advisor – Communications  
Phone:  (808) 586-7708

Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations
Phone: (808) 586-0043