Gov. Linda Lingle has released $321,499 for improvements to public health facilities on the Big Island and Maui overseen by the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, the state said today in a news release.

"Our public hospitals provide critical services to the people of Hawaii, particularly on the Neighbor Islands," Lingle said in a statement. "Though the fiscal environment we face requires tough decisions, we are moving forward with improvements to these facilities where possible."

Funds will go to:

Kau Hospital ($136,200), to complete design and construction of air-conditioning upgrades. The total project cost is $670,782. Construction is ongoing and scheduled to be completed in December 2009.

Hilo Medical Center ($84,801), to finance design for the replacement of the hospital's elevator and dumbwaiter. The total project cost is estimated to be $5,070,199. Construction is currently scheduled to begin in January 2010 and be completed in October 2010.

Kula Hospital ($100,498), to complete upgrades to the hospital's fire sprinkler system. The total project cost is $533,498. Construction is ongoing and scheduled to be completed in June 2009.