GOVERNOR LINGLE RELEASES $39.32 MILLION FOR SCHOOL REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE STATEWIDE

For Immediate Release:  January 25, 2006

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle recently released $39,320,000 for school improvements at 232 schools across the state.

“Investing these funds is part of our ongoing commitment to promote education in Hawai`i and put more money into the schools,” said Governor Lingle. “We want to provide our students with comfortable and safe learning environments along with improved services and resources so that they can focus on succeeding in school.”

The Department of Education has set aside $182,000 for repair and maintenance of their annex buildings, and $610,000 in works of art funds for the State Foundation of Culture and the Arts.  The following funds show the break-down among six islands:

 ▪ O`ahu Schools:  $27,299,000
 ▪ Big Island Schools:  $5,446,000
 ▪ Maui School:  $3,048,000
 ▪ Kaua`i Schools:  $1,523,000
 ▪ Moloka`i Schools:  $970,000
 ▪ Lana`i Schools:  $242,000

The project scope includes such improvements as re-roofing, air conditioning, painting, plumbing, and electrical upgrades.  These repair and maintenance projects are priority 3 of 30 as reflected on the Department of Education’s revised implementation plan dated November 18, 2005.  (Funds for priorities 1, 2, and 4 have already been approved and released by Governor Lingle.)

Please see the attached list for details on specific schools, projects and dollar amounts.

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

Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations
Phone: 586-0043