Supporters of Makiki Community Library expressed disappointment yesterday at Gov. Linda Lingle's decision not to release $4.5 million in state money to renovate the 27-year-old facility and expand its role in the community.

Last week Lingle toured the library. She informed the library's board of directors Friday that she would not be releasing the money. Lingle said she would work with the library's board to identify alternate funding sources.

"The State Legislature appropriated a $4.5 million grant-in-aid in state funds for renovations and improvements to the Makiki Community Library," Lingle said in a statement. "After visiting the facility and weighing all the information available, including the lack of ongoing operational, maintenance and security funding, I do not believe releasing the $4.5 million in state funds is in the best interest of the state taxpayers. The building that the Library operates out of is city-owned and city-operated. The city, not the state, is responsible for the building's upkeep and any desired renovations or improvements."

State Rep. Brian Schatz, D-25th (Makiki, Tantalus), said yesterday: "We are puzzled by her decision, but we have another year before the funds lapse, so we will get the governor whatever information she needs to be persuaded that this is in the best interests of the community."

Schatz said neither Lingle nor any member of her staff requested additional information about the library during her visit. "The determination that was made so far is that zero (dollars) is the right amount and that's what i troubling to us," he said.

The Makiki Community Library is not part of the state library system. It is the only community library financed by private donations and staffed by volunteers.

The library is in Makiki District Park.

Ron Paik, president of the Makiki Library board, had said if the money was released, it could be used for a new computer center, upgraded plumbing and electrical installations, and immigrant programs for the area's newest residents.

The building is in need of repairs, and the city is about to start on a separate, $1.7 million project to make the entire building comply with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. The work will include putting in an elevator and other improvements to meet safety regulations, along with new windows and floors.

The library will be closed for about a year during the construction.