GOVERNOR LINGLE RELEASES $2,262,756 TO HILO VETERANS HOME

For Immediate Release:  February 16, 2006

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle has released $2,262,756 to finance construction of the new Hilo Veterans Home facility on the Big Island.

The 95-bed facility will provide both long-term care and adult day care services for Hawai`i veterans.  The Hilo Veterans Home will provide aging veterans on the Big Island with the opportunity to receive long-term care while remaining close to their families and friends. 

“Our veterans stepped forward and put their lives at risk when our country was in need. It is now our responsibility to step forward in their time of need,” said Governor Lingle.  “This new facility is part of our ongoing commitment to care for our kupuna and promote a healthier Hawai`i.”

Funding for the Hilo Veterans Home includes $10,000,000 in State funds and $18,228,000 in federal funds.  Previously the Administration released a total of $7,737,244 in State funds to finance a feasibility study, planning and design, and demolition expenses to raze the old Hilo Hospital building.

Based on the prior funding, design of the new facility was completed in December 2004 and the contractor, Dick Pacific Construction Company, Ltd., was selected in May 2005.  Construction is expected to be completed by summer of 2007.

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For more information, contact:
Tom Driskill    
President   
Hawai`i Health Systems Corporation  
Phone: (808) 733-4151

Lenny Klompus
Senior Advisor – Communications
Phone: (808) 586-7708

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