GOVERNOR LINGLE RELEASES $2 MILLION FOR UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI`I AT MĀNOA LES MURAKAMI STADIUM

For Immediate Release:  May 17, 2007

HONOLULU – Governor Lingle has released $2,000,000 to replace the artificial turf and seats at the Les Murakami Baseball Stadium located at the University of Hawai`i at Mānoa.

The 23-year-old stadium, known as “the house that Les built,” was renamed the Les Murakami Stadium in 2002 in honor of the school’s first Division I, full-time, head baseball coach.  Murakami, who took over in 1971, spent 31 years leading the baseball program, building it to a national power in less than 10 years.

“UH baseball is important to the athletics program and to the people of Hawai`i,” said Governor Lingle.  “The upgrades to the stadium are needed to meet safety codes as well as to provide an improved venue for players, families and the community to enjoy.”

“We are certainly appreciative of Governor Lingle and the legislators who assisted the university in securing this funding,” said Athletics Director Herman Frazier.  “This is a perfect example of a state, university and athletics department partnership.  These funds will benefit our student-athletes and fans.  They are a positive step toward facility upgrades at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.”

“We’re pleased to have the support of Governor Lingle for improving our athletics facilities, as well as the rest of our Mānoa campus,” added Interim Chancellor Denise Konan.  “These funds will support our master planning efforts to upgrade our athletics facilities.  Our many priority projects recognize the need for developing students, academically and athletically, in a safe and attractive environment.”

The stadium seats 4,312.  The design phase has been initiated and construction is scheduled to be completed in time for the 2008 baseball season.

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For more information, contact:
Sam Callejo
Vice President for Administration – UH
Phone: (808) 956-9922

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

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