UH-Hilo programs
get $37.6M from state$15 million will go toward
building a new student center
HILO >> The University of Hawaii at Hilo and related programs will receive more than $37 million in development money in state appropriations, Big Island lawmakers announced at the school yesterday.
Legislative actions will also enable $80.4 million in federal and private spending, they said.
"This is a huge day for UH-Hilo," said Chancellor Rose Tseng.
The appropriations are more than one-third of the $100 million in construction funds this year for the statewide university system, said University Relations Director Gerald De Mello.
The money falls into three categories: funding for UH-Hilo, funding for UH-Manoa programs in Hilo and legislation to take advantage of federal and private money.
The biggest piece of state money will be $15 million for construction of a Student Life and Events Center Complex, consisting of facilities including a swimming pool, fitness room, locker rooms and classrooms.
Rep. Jerry Chang (D, Hilo) said the student center is a "catch-up" project, since other campuses already have such facilities.
Smaller projects include $3.7 million for a North Hawaii Research and Education Center in Honokaa, the final $2 million of a $4 million Pacific Aquaculture and Coastal Resources Center and more than $1 million for repairs.
State funding of $1.4 million for infrastructure above the existing University Park research area will enable $62 million in federal construction, $50 million of it for the Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center and $12 million for U.S. Department of Agriculture forestry facilities.
UH-Hilo provides space for programs of UH-Manoa's College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources. The Legislature approved $14 million to renovate and expand facilities on Komohana Street, uphill from the main UH-Hilo campus, to move Manoa programs there.
That will open space on the main campus for more facilities later, De Mello said.
The Legislature also approved accepting $18.4 million in federal and private money for a pharmacy program building. The university Board of Regents is awaiting the results of a feasibility study before approving a new pharmacy program for Hilo, De Mello said.