The state House of Representatives has passed a bill that would give the University of Hawai'i $600 million over six years for repair and maintenance projects.

The bill would create a special account that would receive $50 million in tax revenue from July 1, 2008, to June 30, 2014. It also expresses the intent to authorize the university an extra $50 million in bond financing each fiscal year.

Under this measure, the university would have discretion to identify its own repair and maintenance projects.

State Rep. Colleen Meyer, (R-47th, Ha'iku, Kahalu'u, La'ie), said she wants to see improvements at the university, but questions moving $50 million a year directly into a special fund.

"I think it's irresponsible to earmark this money," she said. "It doesn't give that much flexibility. We never know what the next year would bring."

But House Finance Chairman Marcus Oshiro, D-39th (Wahiawa), said a six-year plan is needed to catch up with about $249 million in deferred repair and maintenance projects, as well as provide the $75 million a year the university system needs for general upkeep.

The bill will now crosses over to the Senate for consideration.