Governor Neil Abercrombie has announced the release of more than $26.8 million for various Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) at school facilities statewide. ? The largest grant of $3 million is for Hilo High School, to upgrade its new gymnasium to serve as a community emergency shelter.
Hawaii Island State Representative Jerry Chang said in February that the gym was being delayed because the County had not issued building permits. The County was requiring the Department of Education to meet new building code requirements of being able to sustain winds up to 155 miles per hour. This new infusion of money should enable those requirements to be met. The gym will be constructed using “green” initiatives, including solar water heating.
Holualoa Elementary will get $112,000 for additional construction to relocate or construct temporary facilities for Holualoa Elementary to meet enrollment shifts and other needs. Holualoa Elementary will also get some additional funds, not specified in the release, for additional temporary facilities.
