Funds for UH to Create New Jobs in West Hawai’i

Photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

More than $92 million was released today for Capital Improvement Projects at the University of Hawai’i system.

Governor Neil Abercrombie who announced the funding release, said the money represents an investment in future economic stability.

He touted projects planned in West Hawaii at Palamanui saying funds would not only create new jobs in West Hawaii, but unique academic opportunities in the science and agricultural fields.

The campus is the recipient of $7.5 million in CIP funds for the construction of buildings for culinary arts, health science and student services. The funding is in addition to the $9.6 million received in private funds.

Other projects included in the funding release include the following:

• $60,000,000 – University of Hawai’i, statewide: Planning, design and construction for capital renewal and deferred maintenance for all UH campuses
• $19,413,000 – University of Hawai’i, statewide: Systemwide health, safety and code requirements for UH campuses
• $2,500,000 – UH West O’ahu: Campus sitework to complete phase 1, which includes creation of Kaloi Gulch Greenway along the former Kaloi Gulch alignment, and landscaping and fencing to meet city requirements to protect a photovoltaic panel array
• $1,250,000 – UH West O’ahu: Construction of a four-lane private road that will be the main entrance to the UH West Oꞌahu campus, connecting the campus to Farrington Highway
• $900,000 – UH West O’ahu: Design of the Academy of Creative Media Building, which will house the creative media program and digital media production
• $500,000 – UH West O’ahu: Design of the Allied Health Building, which will include a classroom, laboratories, offices and other related spaces, as well as house the dental hygiene training program.

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