GOVERNOR LINGLE RELEASES $510,000 FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO KALAUPAPA SETTLEMENT NURSING FACILITY ON MOLOKA`I

For Immediate Release:  February 12, 2008

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle has released $510,000 for the design and construction of various improvements to building 141 at Kalaupapa, which is utilized as a 14-bed nursing facility for the 27 Hansen’s disease patients who continue to reside at the settlement on Moloka‘i.

Improvements include installing a new and larger-capacity emergency generator, repair and relocation of automatic fire doors, and repairs to a shower room floor to ensure proper drainage.

“For a handful of elderly residents, Kalaupapa Settlement continues to be home,” said Governor Lingle. “The state has a responsibility to ensure that the settlement’s buildings – and in particular the nursing facility – are safe and well-maintained.”

Kalaupapa was named a National Historical Park in 1980.

Design of the project improvements is scheduled to be completed in September 2008. Construction is scheduled to begin in February 2009 and be completed in October 2009.

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For more information, contact:

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

Chiyome Fukino, MD
Director, Dept. of Health
Phone: (808) 586-4410

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

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