Governor releases $36.6 million for environmental, facility and infrastructure improvements

 Gov. Neil Abercrombie today announced the release of more than $36.6 million for various capital improvement projects (CIP), administered by the Departments of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) and Accounting and General Services (DAGS).

“These priority projects represent significant investments not only in our state facilities and natural assets, but our local economy as well,” Gov. Abercrombie said. “In addition to creating jobs and economic growth, these CIPs will enhance protection and preservation of Hawaii’s fragile environment and improve aging infrastructure for the people of Hawaii.”

                                                                                                                                               

Allotment of funds for the following projects, identified by state legislators, has been approved by the Governor:

DLNR

$7,500,000 – Lump Sum Improvements at State Parks, statewide – This project will include planning, design and construction for a wide range of repair and improvement projects, including those to parks, historical facilities and monuments on Oahu, Hawaii Island, Kauai, Maui and Molokai.

$600,000 – Aiea Bay Pumphouse Property Environmental Remediation, Oahu (for Department of Defense) – Environmental remediation and other work related to the site cleanup.

$500,000 – Mana Drag Strip, Kauai – This will complete the current construction phase to repair the facilities on the site and remove and resurface the pavement.

$250,000 – Geothermal Well Plugging and Abandonment, Hawaii Island – This project will seal geothermal wells under state jurisdiction and restore the well sites to preexisting conditions. The wells are located in the Wao Kele O Puna rainforest.

$150,000 – Royal Hawaiian Groin Replacement, Oahu – This project will construct a new groin next to the existing Royal Hawaiian groin. The new groin is a terminal structure that captures/traps sand and allows the central portion of the beach in Waikiki to remain stable. Private contribution funds for this project total $150,000.

DAGS

$27,695,000 – Kamamalu Building Renovation, Oahu – Construction funds to renovate the building for state agencies relocating from leased office spaces. The renovation (75,000 gross square feet/61,000 net square feet) will provide more efficient use of the building, instead of tearing it down and constructing a new one. Due to the parcel’s small size and prevailing zoning restrictions, new construction would yield only about a 14,900-square-foot facility.