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Governor releases $30M for natural resource protection

MEDIA RELEASE

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has released more than $30.4 million for various capital improvement projects (CIP) administered by the Departments of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) and Defense (DOD) to protect Hawaii’s natural resources and upgrade state defense facilities.

“These investments will protect and enhance many of our natural resources and well as improve Hawaii’s defense infrastructure,” Abercrombie said. “I applaud the Legislature for identifying these priority projects, which this administration is expediting to benefit the people of Hawaii.”

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

DLNR

* $19,500,000 – Lipoa Point, Land Acquisition, Maui – Lipoa Point is a parcel of land owned by Maui Land & Pineapple Company that consists of approximately 280 coastal acres stretching from Honolua Bay to Honokohau Bay. The area is rich in marine resources, historical and archaeological sites, and is a popular recreational area for snorkeling and surfing. Act 241, Session Laws of Hawaii 2013, directed DLNR to acquire the Lipoa Point property and to protect and preserve the area’s pristine conditions. The department is conducting environment due diligence to ensure the land is free of hazardous materials before acquiring the land.

* $2,950,000 – Ferry System Improvements, statewide – Funds for the state’s share for projects at three Maui County small boat harbors to accommodate the commuter ferry system. The state funds will be matched four to one by the Federal Transit Administration. The project at Maui’s Lahaina Small Boat Harbor involves the preparation of plans for a new ferry pier and other related improvements. The project at Maui’s Maalaea Small Boat Harbor involves structural and efficiency improvements to the existing ferry pier, while the project at Lanai’s Manele Small Boat Harbor involves the construction of a new ferry pier and related improvements.

* $1,340,000 – Forests and Outdoor Recreation Improvements, statewide – Facility repairs and improvements for forest and outdoor recreation facilities at Kahakapao Recreational Area on Maui, Alakai Swamp Trail on Kauai, Kaulana Manu Native Bird and Plant Sanctuary on Hawaii Island, Ka Iwa Ridge Trail on Oahu, and Na Ala Hele trails on Maui.

DOD

* $4,511,000 – Army Aviation Support Facility, Oahu – Design and construction funds for a new Army Aviation Support Facility (AASF) at Kalaeloa. Phase I includes approximately 58,551 square feet of maintenance bays for CH-47 aircraft, maintenance/administration offices, flight operations, supply/storage areas, and staff support areas. Phase 2, scheduled for the near future, will include space to maintain UH-60 and UH-72 aircraft. The facility will meet National Guard standards and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) silver level rating. Project qualifies for federal aid financing and/or reimbursement.

* $2,050,000 – Upgrade and Improvements to National Guard Facilities, statewide – Design and construction funds for upgrades and improvements at various facilities necessary to conform to National Guard Bureau standards, health and safety, and building code requirements. Additionally, utilities serving armory facilities at former Navy installations in Kalaeloa are failing and do not meet Hawaiian Electric and City and County of Honolulu standards.

* $56,000 – DOD Infrastructure and Devices, statewide – Additional construction funds for various DOD projects, such as Building 90, 90D and Motor Pool Roof Replacement, and Building 306 Hurricane Hardening/LEED Study.

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