The supplemental capital improvements budget request would be in addition to the $310 million budget approved by the Legislature in the spring. Lingle attributed the increase to slightly better economic times and a better feel by her administration for the needs of the community after a year in office.

Lingle also requested an $86.8 million increase for the state’s $3.7 billion general fund, a 2.3 percent increase.

Saying education improvements are the priority for the year, the governor proposed $90 million for school repair and maintenance and $20 million for new public-school construction. An additional $25 million is earmarked for major repair and maintenance at University of Hawai'i campuses.

In operating money, Lingle wants $2.5 million to address financing shortfalls in student transportation, $3.5 million for the A-plus after-school program and $1 million for library books and materials.