Gov. Linda Lingle has released $1,275,000 for improvements to recreation areas and boat harbors on the Big Island and Oahu managed by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, the governor's office said today.

The projects are part of the $1.8 billion public infrastructure construction plan unveiled by Lingle in December to stimulate the economy and create jobs.

They include:

— Wailoa Small Boat Harbor, Big Island: $100,000 in design funds to prepare plans and required permits to remove sand that has accumulated on the Hilo Town-side of the entrance channel, which poses navigational hazards to boaters and harbor users.

— Honokohau Small Boat Harbor, Big Island: $100,000 in design and construction funds to replace an existing cesspool with a new septic system and leach field, and make improvements to the office facility used by DLNR's Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement.

— Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor, Oahu: 850,000 in construction funds to replace the sewer and water system in order to prevent sewer pump failures and water main breaks in the future.

— Waahila Ridge State Recreation Area, Oahu: $125,000 to repair the entry access road from Ruth Place to the parking area, which has not been repaved or repaired for more than 25 years.

Sand Island Ocean Recreation Park, Oahu: $100,000 to perform a preliminary design and engineering feasibility study for the development of approximately 30 acres of fast lands (land above the existing high water mark) and 80 acres of submerged lands at Sand Island, to allow for the future development of up to 600 new wet slips (slips adjacent to a dock or pier where boats can park), marina support facilities and enhanced access for recreational ocean users and the public.