The state has released $500,000 for planning and design work to restore and improve sections of Waikiki Beach.

"Waikiki Beach is one of Hawai'i's most popular visitor attractions and a widely used recreational area for residents," Gov. Linda Lingle said yesterday in a press release announcing the release of the money. "It is important to restore the beach so that it lives up to the high expectations of residents and visitors today and in the future."

This project to improve sections of Waikiki Beach will be coordinated with beach improvement efforts by the hotel industry and with money provided by the Hawai'i Tourism Authority.

The planning and design work is scheduled to begin this fall and be completed in spring 2010.