Posted on: Saturday, May 7, 2005

Lingle signs off on $47 million for UH flood assistance

By Beverly Creamer
Advertiser Education Writer

Gov. Linda Lingle yesterday signed legislation making an emergency appropriation of $47 million for flood losses at the University of Hawai'i-Manoa to cover some of the repairs.

The devastating flood swept through the campus Oct. 30, damaging 40 buildings.

The emergency appropriation includes $25 million from the insurance revolving fund and $22 million in general funds.

UH spokeswoman Carolyn Tanaka said the university was grateful to the Legislature and the governor for their fast action.

"We're extremely happy Governor Lingle signed the bill and the money will be forthcoming," Tanaka said.

The university has pegged damage to physical properties at about $81 million. But it could cost an additional $25 million or more to replace lost intellectual property, including replicating scientific experiments, research and data lost in the floodwaters.

Money earmarked for those losses put in a U.S. Senate appropriations bill by Sen. Dan K. Inouye was removed during negotiations over the bill. Inouye has pledged to try again in the coming session.

Another $31 million — approximately — is expected from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to make up the remainder of the $81 million in property losses.