Gov. Linda Lingle has released $1.7 million to replace the baggage carousel in Kona International Airport's South Baggage Claim Area and construct a new interim baggage claim facility, the state said today in a news release.

Currently, there is only one available carousel at the South Baggage Claim Area, which is primarily used by Hawaiian Airlines, but also by American, Delta and Northwest airlines. State officials said that between 300 and 500 pieces of luggage go through the area each hour of airport operation, which has caused significant wear and tear to the carousel and downtime for repairs.

Of the amount released, $405,000 will be used to replace the existing baggage carousel with one equipped with a motor assembly better suited to handle heavy baggage. Construction is scheduled to begin in August and be completed in October.

Nearly $1.3 million will be used to construct a new interim facility with a baggage carousel system located next to the South Terminal building. The project is scheduled to begin in August and be completed in December.

Officials said the interim facility will be used while a permanent facility is planned and built as part of a five-year terminal expansion program at the Kona airport.