$734,000 Released to Maui Research and Technology Center

The Maui Research and Technology Center in Kīhei is home to start-ups, technology companies, and federal technology projects. Photo courtesy High Technology Development Corporation.

By Wendy Osher

Governor Neil Abercrombie today announced the release of $734,000 for the replacement of a chiller at the Maui Research and Technology Center in South Maui.

The funds will be used for planning, design, construction and equipment to replace the chiller with energy efficient technologies, the announcement said.

The allocation will also be used to construct a mechanical room on the ground to protect the new equipment from the elements.

According to the governor, the chiller replacement and relocation will reduce maintenance costs, increase energy efficiency and have replacement parts readily available should there be a failure.

The funds are part of a larger funding release for capital improvement projects across the state that address aging technology, and increase the state’s energy efficiency.  A total of $52.4 million was released today for various projects that will modernize Hawaiʻi’s technology infrastructure and improve public housing facilities in the state.

“These funds will help bring positive change to the lives of those in public housing and provide much-needed job opportunities,” said Governor Abercrombie in a press release statement.

“This administration has now released more than $3 billion for capital improvement projects that are helping to stimulate our economy. Hawaiʻi’s labor force is at an all-time high and the state’s unemployment rate is at its lowest level since August 2008.”

The funding release also included:

• $2.72 million to design a new High Technology Development Corporation facility on Oʻahu;
• $45 million for public housing development, improvements and renovations statewide;
• $2 million in design funds to modernize the eligibility determination system statewide for public assistance programs; and
• $2 million in design funds for the modernization of the state’s case management system for the social services division.