Lingle frees $120 million for public school projects
By Catherine E. Toth
Advertiser Staff Writer
Gov. Linda Lingle released about $120 million yesterday for capital improvement projects and repair and maintenance at public schools across the state, approving projects that both the Department of Education and the Department of Accounting and General Services, the state agency responsible for school facilities, consider high priority.
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The money was approved by the Legislature during the past two sessions, but under state law it isn't spent until the governor releases it.
"We want to let our students and educators know that improving Hawai'i's public education is one of our highest priorities," Gov. Linda Lingle said.
Of the $120 million, $35 million will be strictly for repair and maintenance in more than 700 schools statewide. Although DAGS had initially requested $120 million, it has prioritized schools with health and safety concerns — everything from termite treatment at Hickam Elementary to adding smoke detectors at Lahainaluna High School — to receive the reduced repair and maintenance money.
"Literally we have to live within the $35 million," said Russ Saito, comptroller and director of DAGS. "We have to make sure we're dealing with all the health and safety issues first. And we will ... This is a good thing. With the money we have available, this is the best use of it."
Other projects include re-roofing classroom buildings, installing rain gutters, upgrading fire-alarm systems, improving drainage, installing air-conditioning and renovating restrooms.
The remaining $85 million was earmarked for various CIP projects, including fire safety improvements, structural repairs, new furniture and equipment, and parking and traffic improvements.
Several high schools will get softball fields to meet gender equity requirements. Others will get much-needed classroom buildings.
Some projects were more specific. Nanakuli High will get an athletic complex for $3.5 million. King Kamehameha III Elementary School will get a public-address system for $342,000. And Holomua Elementary will get portable restrooms that cost $278,000.
"As a teacher, this is really, really important," said Mike Nakasone, band director at Pearl City High School for 27 years. "Everything comes down to the student. This will make the learning environment better. That helps the students and the teachers. And it really helps the overall education of the child. "
Lingle made the announcement yesterday at a "Back-To-School" celebration at the State Capitol and Washington Place. More than 500 people — mostly students from various public schools — attended the event.
"As the new school year gets under way, we want to let our students and educators know that improving Hawai'i's public education is one of our highest priorities," Lingle said.
Dressed head to toe in yellow, Lingle spent the morning talking with teachers, parents and students who attended the celebration. More than 30 schools were represented.
The crowd moved to Washington Place where kids could play putt-putt golf and other games, while the Pearl City High School concert band played a medley of patriotic, Hawaiian and Broadway tunes.
"I think it's long overdue," said 43-year-old Kirk Bailey of Wai'anae whose sons attend public schools. "When you walk into any school, the first thing that gets your attention immediately is the school itself ... the disrepair is so apparent.
"We are very involved with the school," said Bailey, vice president of operations for Maryl Pacific Construction Inc. "We find out what the teachers need and we make our contribution ... But I think this is a start in the right direction."
Staff writer Gordon Y.K. Pang contributed to this report. Reach Catherine E. Toth at 535-8103 or ctoth@honoluluadvertiser.com.
