State librarian The Kapolei Public Library could open in September 2003, nearly two years after construction is scheduled for completion, if the state Legislature agrees to emergency funding.
seeks cash for
Kapolei
The library could open in
2003 if the Legislature approves
emergency fundsBy Leila Fujimori
lfujimori@starbulletin.comTo speed up the process, state Librarian Virginia Lowell is asking for the $1.7 million emergency appropriation to fund the rest of the library's first phase, which includes books, furniture, equipment and 24 staff positions.
Lowell went before the Board of Education's Committee on Public Libraries yesterday and received its unanimous support.
The proposal will go before the school board for consideration. If approved, the governor would seek the funding from the Legislature at the beginning of the 2002 legislative session.
The state Legislature denied funding for Kapolei Library last legislative session, disappointing many residents.
The library is scheduled for completion in December.
Lowell projects an additional 12 to 18 months after the funds are released for the library to be operational. She said September 2003 would be the earliest date.
"The problem last session was all the pay raises," said Rep. Mark Moses (R, Kunia-Makakilo-Ewa-Waipahu), who sits on the House Finance Committee. "It's the same pot of money. There just wasn't enough to go around."
"I have fought this battle three legislative sessions," Lowell said. "It's a political decision. I find that really frustrating."
Donna Ikeda, chairwoman of the Committee on Public Libraries, said the Kapolei Library is important because it will serve the second city on Oahu.
She said the Board of Education probably would approve the proposal.
Phase II of the library, which includes 35,000 additional square feet, "seems to be fading farther and farther away," Lowell said.
A distribution center for delivery and inventory, three central offices for library development services and a meeting room are planned for Phase II.
"What this shows is that starting a long-term project does not guarantee completion," Lowell said.
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