Maui Regional Public Safety Complex moving forward

Governor Linda Lingle today announced that the State is moving forward with plans to build an estimated $235 million jail facility in Puunene, Maui.  The project, planned for location within the former Puunene Airport area along Mokulele Highway, is aimed at replacing the aged and overcrowded existing Maui Community Correctional Center and provide for anticipated growth in the State’s inmate population.

Graphic of Maui Regional Public Safety Complex courtesy: Office of the Governor, State of Hawaii, and Architects Hawaii Limited/DLR Group)

In a press release issued today, the governor said that The Department of Public Safety, the Department of Accounting and General Services, and the Department of Budget and Finance will work with the State Legislature to ensure a feasible means of financing the construction of the project. Alternatives, she said, include the use of private financing and phasing of the project.

Planning and design of the project is estimated to be completed this year and pending acceptable financing terms, construction of the project could start in 2011 and be completed in 2013 – 2014.

An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be prepared for the project. The process would include public informational meetings and opportunities for public review and comment on the EIS.