University
to ask for $61.8
million more

Among the projects the
money would go toward is
library improvements

By Pat Omandam
Star-Bulletin

KAHULUI -- The University of Hawaii Board of Regents is set today to approve a new operational budget that will ask the state Legislature for an additional $61.8 million in general funds during the next two years.

Eugene Imai, UH senior vice president for administration, told regents at Maui Community College yesterday that UH needs $31.3 million more next year and $30.5 million the following year.

The UH operational budget was set at $276.8 million this fiscal year, but $16.4 million was withheld due to budget cuts and other restrictions.

The state Department of Budget and Finance has told UH officials to expect the same budget for the next biennium, although Imai believes recent autonomy legislation allows the university to request more money.

Imai said $38.6 million is needed during the next two years for minor repairs and maintenance of current and new buildings. The maintenance budget has not kept pace with the addition of new buildings on the Manoa campus, he said.

"I think the fact that the restrooms are maintained as well as they are is a testament to our custodial service," he said.

Elsewhere, UH needs $10.6 million during the next biennium to upgrade library services, expand the management of grants and continue development at University Centers. The money also would be used to staff and operate the UH Office of Legal Services, established this year after UH was granted the authority to handle its own legal affairs.

Another $3 million is needed to complete payment of a systemwide student information system being designed by Buzzeo Inc. Also, $9.6 million would go toward instruction and research programs, including a new commercial aviation training program in the community college system.

Meanwhile, the board also is set to approve a $183.8 million capital improvement budget, of which $173 million, or 94 percent, will be from state general obligation bonds.

Topping the UH construction list next biennium is $18.2 million to meet requirements for health, safety and the Americans with Disabilities Act, including removal of underground fuel storage tanks at Manoa and at UH facilities atop Haleakala.