GOVERNOR LINGLE RELEASES $500,000 FOR UH MĀNOA COLLEGE OF TROPICAL AGRICULTURE AND HUMAN RESOURCES’ KOMOHANA AGRICULTURE COMPLEX

For Immediate Release:  July 5, 2007

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle has released $500,000 for additions, improvements and renovations to the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa’s (UH Mānoa) College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) Komohana Agriculture Complex located in Hilo, Hawai‘i.

The Komohana Agricultural Complex will include state-of the-art laboratories, laboratory support spaces, offices, greenhouses and greenhouse support facilities for the CTAHR faculty in Hilo.

“Maintaining and expanding CTAHR is important as we continue to diversify our economy,” said Governor Lingle.

“CTAHR is committed to serving and assisting the people of Hawai‘i through its research, extension, and academic programs,” said Dean Andrew Hashimoto. “The renovation and addition to the Komohana Agricultural Complex will greatly enhance the capabilities of the faculty and staff in Hilo to partner with other state, county, and federal agencies to better fulfill our mission.  CTAHR prepares students for the global community through research and educational programs in tropical agricultural systems that foster viable communities, a diversified economy, and a healthy environment.”

Last year, Governor Lingle released $13,236,200 in renovation and improvement funds for CTAHR. The renovation and improvements to the complex started in May 2007 and are scheduled for completion in December 2008.

CTAHR differs from other colleges at UH Mānoa in that its “campus” is statewide. In addition to its headquarters on the Mānoa campus, 15 branch research stations and 12 cooperative extension offices are located throughout the state. This year CTAHR, along with the University, is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

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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