Gov. Lingle releases $85,000,000 for University of Hawaii projects
University of Hawaiʻi at MānoaUH Vice President for Administration
Russell Pang, (808) 586-0043
Chief of Media Relations
HONOLULU — Governor Linda Lingle has released $85,000,000 for a new University of Hawaiʻi (UH) West Oʻahu Campus, as well as for repairs and maintenance at 10 UH campuses statewide. The Governor made the announcement at the Centennial Campaign Kick-Off Dinner this evening, where she emphasized the importance of public and private collaboration and cooperation to achieve the goal of the University of Hawaiʻi becoming one of the best public universities in the nation. The campaign effort is being undertaken in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of higher education in Hawaiʻi.
"As the University of Hawaiʻi enters its second century of enriching the lives of students from Hawaiʻi and across the Pacific, the state remains committed to providing the resources needed for the university to reach its full potential as a center of academic excellence," said Governor Lingle. "At the same time, the growth and continued success of any major university also depends on the philanthropic support of alumni, the business sector and the community. There is no better investment of private and public funds than our University of Hawaiʻi system."
UH-WEST OʻAHU
$35 million will be used for design and construction of a new four-year undergraduate college at the UH-West Oʻahu campus.
Currently, UH-West Oʻahu campus offers a two-year, upper-division baccalaureate program. Beginning this Fall, the university will offer a four-year baccalaureate program.
As of Fall 2006, the campus had an enrollment of 866 students. The first phase of the new UH-West Oʻahu campus will serve approximately 1,560 students, with a long-term design to serve 7,600 students with 1,000 faculty and staff. In order to accommodate the additional classes now, UH-West Oʻahu will rent classrooms in Kapolei. The campus will be constructed on a portion of the university‘s 500-acre parcel in Kapolei, part of which is being sold to a private developer for a total of $100,140,000, which will provide additional financing for development projects including roadways, utilities, and classrooms as well as administration and support buildings.
$7,321,418 will be used in the design phase to conduct studies on infrastructure including water, sewer, roads and drainage; noise and sound studies; and to obtain permits.
$27,678,582 will be used in the construction phase for the development of sewer lines and a 215-foot elevation water reservoir, which will be coordinated with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, and a 440-foot elevation water reservoir that includes a non-potable water system.
"We are thankful that Governor Lingle continues to support the development of the new Kapolei campus for UH West Oʻahu, which we believe will bring tremendous value to the region," said UH-West Oʻahu Chancellor Gene Awakuni. "By releasing the funds, the Governor enables the new campus development to move forward in a timely manner."
Design is scheduled to begin in September 2007. Construction on these projects is scheduled to begin in July 2008 and be completed in Fall 2009.
SYSTEMWIDE IMPROVEMENTS
$50 million will be used for repairs and maintenance, as well as health and safety projects at University of Hawaiʻi facilities statewide. The funds will be applied to various projects at all 10 UH campuses.