Updated at 2:23 p.m., Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Lingle tags $13.5M for upgrades at 5 Oahu schools
Advertiser Staff
Gov. Linda Lingle has released $13.5 million for construction and improvement projects at O'ahu's Hickam, Waialua and Dole middle schools, 'Aiea High School and Nanaikapono Elementary School.
"These improvements are critical to maintaining a positive and productive learning environment and providing accessible learning tools to our students," Lingle said in a release issued today.
Hickam Elementary — Nearly $7.7 million will be used for construction of a new library and administration building. The current enrollment of 833 students exceeds the school's 750-student capacity. The funds will also be used to upgrade telecommunications at the school.
Prior allotments include $1,35 million for design and construction consultant services. Construction is scheduled next month.
Waialua Elementary — About $3.5 million will be used to construct a new library and media center for the school. The project will include renovating the current library into multiple classrooms. In April 2006, Lingle released $490,300 for design and construction consultant services. Design is scheduled to be completed in December and construction is scheduled to be completed in August.
'Aiea High — About $1.22 million will be used to design and construct administrative space to meet the needs of faculty and staff. The project will include new offices, conference rooms and restrooms. Design is scheduled to begin this month. Construction is scheduled to begin in October 2008.
Dole Middle — About $610,000 will be used for telecommunications and power upgrades to improve access to computers and other technology equipment throughout the campus. Design is scheduled to be completed in June.
In addition, $75,000 will be used to design three portable classrooms at Dole Middle. The classrooms will be used to accommodate the existing enrollment of about 850 students, plus an anticipated 125 new sixth-graders who will matriculate from Kalihi, Ka'ewai, Kalihi Uka, Kalihi Waena, KapaŻlama and Fern elementary schools. Design is scheduled to begin in September 2007 and to be completed in February 2008.
Nanaikapono Elementary School — $450,000 will be used to provide safe and accessible playground equipment for first- and second-grade students. The funds will also be used for a shaded area with tables and benches to serve as an informal outdoor meeting space for students and counselors for the Student Support Center. In addition, the funds will be used to construct a secure custodial storage facility. Design is scheduled to begin this month.
