GOVERNOR LINGLE RELEASES $5,757,150 FOR NEW KOHALA PUBLIC LIBRARY ON THE BIG ISLAND

For Immediate Release:  February 19, 2008

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle has released $5,757,150 for the construction of a new Kohala Public Library. Currently, this area of the Big Island is only served by the Bond Memorial Library, a converted house that is just 1,610 square feet.

The new library will be nearly four times the size of Bond Memorial Library and will be located near Kohala Elementary School and Kohala High School. In support of the state’s effort to lead by example in conserving energy, this project will incorporate sustainable design features with the goal of achieving Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification at the silver level from the U.S. Green Building Council.

“Public libraries are an important part of any well-educated community,” said Governor Lingle. “This project will enhance the quality of life in the Kohala region by providing residents with a new, energy-efficient library to house larger collections and offer more space for community groups to meet.”

Project work will include site grading and the construction of a new, 6,000-square-foot library building, parking lot, driveway and other site improvements.

The total project cost is estimated to be $7,834,850. Two prior allotments totaling $2,077,700 were released by Governor Lingle in 2005 and 2007.

Design is scheduled to be completed in March 2008. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2008 and to be completed in February 2010.

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For more information, contact:

Russ Saito
Director, DAGS
Phone: (808) 586-0400

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

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