Governor Releases $3.1 Million for UHMC Science Building

By Wendy Osher

State of Hawaii seal, file photo by Wendy Osher.

Several Maui projects were included in the list of funds released by the Governor’s office today for New Day Projects designed to create jobs and stimulate the economy.  In addition to economic impacts, the projects are aimed at improving and/or constructing learning facilities and campus environments for the state Department of Education and the University of Hawai’i.

The list includes $3.1 million for the design and acquisition of equipment for the new Science Building at the University of Hawai’i Maui College (UHMC); and $504,000 for the design and construction of a softball field at Baldwin High School on Maui.

The Baldwin project funds are to address unforeseen conditions encountered during site work.  The funding will also help to comply with federal gender equity requirements.  The estimate completion date is January 2012.

According to the Governor’s office, many of the projects included on the list were identified by the state Legislature as projects that would benefit the community. Projects include irrigation systems, energy efficiency projects, educational facilities, and transportation infrastructure.

Other projects include:

• $635,000 to Ewa Beach Elementary School on O’ahu for upgrading transformers, electrical outlets, conduit, and electrical control panels. The upgrades support the increasing use of technology at the school. The estimated completion date is July 2013.
• $3 million for design and construction of an all-weather track and field facility with drainage at Waiakea High School on Hawai’i Island, where frequent rain has caused safety concerns at the current facility. Estimated completion date is June 2013.
• $360,000 for air conditioning installation at Lehua Elementary School Library on O’ahu. The library has been without air conditioning for over a year. Estimated completion date is December 2012.
• $1.2 million to renovate chorus classroom at Highlands Intermediate School on O’ahu.  This includes replacing the interior and exterior wall panels due to leaks and deterioration. Estimated completion date is July 2013.
• $125,000 for construction of retaining walls and drainage improvements at Benjamin Parker Elementary School on O’ahu. Estimated completion date is December 2011.
• $100,000 for construction of covered walkway at Aiea Elementary School on O’ahu. Estimated completion date is October 2012.
• $200,000 for design and construction for asbestos removal at Makaha Elementary, Pearl City Highlands Elementary, and Waipahu Elementary School. Estimated completion date is July 2013.
• $70,000 to Waikoloa Elementary School, Hawai’i Island, for installation of ramps, stairs and landings. Estimated completion date is June 2011.
• $1.35 million for design and construction of an all-weather track with drainage at Radford High School on O’ahu. State officials say the existing cinder track is a safety concern due to its poor condition. Estimated completion date is June 2013.
• $450,000 for design and construction of additional staff and visitor parking at Waiakeawaena Elementary School on Hawai’i Island. Estimated completion date is October 2012.
• $250,000 for construction to reroof the cafeteria at Jefferson Elementary School on O’ahu. Estimated completion date is August 2012.
• $5 million for design, construction, and/or relocation of temporary facility buildings at various schools statewide, including Keoneula Elementary (4), Kealakehe Elementary (3), Kalihi Waena Elementary (1), Ke Kula O Ehunuikaimalino (2), Aina Haina Elementary (1), Kohala Elementary (1 SPED), and Konawaena Elementary (1 SPED and one English Language Learner). Estimated completion date is November 2012.
• $30,000 for a windbreaker system for a covered walkway at Enchanted Lake Elementary School on O’ahu, between campus Buildings E and G. Estimated completion date is October 2011.
• $100,000 for construction to reroof the Building H at Jefferson Elementary School on O’ahu. The roof is damaged in multiple places due to falling tree branches, resulting in a safety concern. Estimated completion date is August 2012.
• $450,000 to provide retaining walls and drainage improvements at Manana Elementary School on O’ahu due to ground erosion. Estimated completion date is December 2012.
• $1.2 million for Kaneohe Elementary School’s Library Expansion.
• $2.5 million to the UH at Manoa, Cancer Research Center of Hawai’i.
• $2 million in general obligation bond funds for construction to renovate UH Manoa’s Komohana Research and Extension Center in Hilo.
• $4.15 million for the construction of a system-wide InformationTechnology Center at UH Hilo.

Since December 2010, Gov. Abercrombie approved the release of about $300 million for the administration’s New Day projects.  A press release from the Governor’s office says the projects are investments paid for by using the state’s bonding power at a time while interest rates are low. The state plans to pay back the amounts in smaller increments over time.

*** Supporting information courtesy Office of the Governor, State of Hawai’i.