Gov. Linda Lingle has released $500,000 for renovations to Mauna'ala, the royal mausoleum in Nu'uanu.

The $2 million project to restore the mausoleum also got funds from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and private donations. Construction will start soon, though an exact date has not been set. It will extend through 2008.

The project includes replacing windows and the roof, renovation to the exterior of the structure and repairs to its driveway. The money also will go toward replacing restrooms and landscaping. The last major renovations were in 1987.

Mauna'ala is the only designated mausoleum for Hawaiian royalty on O'ahu.