HONOLULU – Gov. Linda Lingle has released $723,600 for accessibility improvements and other upgrades at Pahala and Pahoa Public and School Libraries on the Big Island, and Salt Lake-Moanalua Public Library on O'ahu.

"These are busy libraries that serve residents of all ages and interests," said Lingle. "Funding these projects will provide patrons with safer, more comfortable facilities."

Pahala Public and School Library – Big Island

$348,200 will be used for various accessibility and health and safety improvements, including the replacement of the roof and upgrades to the library's entry walkway in compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act standards. The allotment includes $41,000 in additional design funds and $307,200 in construction funds, and supplements a previous allotment of $18,000 for design. The total project cost is estimated to be $366,200. One of 13 public libraries on the Big Island, the Pahala Public and School Library is situated on the Ka'u High and Pahala Elementary School campus. Design is ongoing and scheduled to be completed in June 2008. Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2008 and be completed in February 2009.

Pahoa Public and School Library – Big Island

$339,400 will be used to replace the carpeting, improve the accessibility of the library's entry walkway, and for various other ADA and health and safety improvements. The allotment includes $43,600 in additional design funds and $295,800 in construction funds, and supplements a previous allotment of $17,900 for design. The total project cost is estimated to be $357,300. The library is located adjacent to Pahoa High and Intermediate School. Design is ongoing and scheduled to be completed in June 2008. Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2008 and be completed in February 2009.

Salt Lake-Moanalua Public Library – O'ahu

$36,000 will be used for various ADA and health and safety improvements, including the replacement of air-conditioning ducts and controls serving the second floor, the installation of a new air-handling unit and refrigerant piping, and the replacement of duct insulation. These money supplements previous allotments of $1,410,000 for design and construction. The total project cost is estimated to be $1,446,000. Construction is ongoing and scheduled to be completed in April 2008.