Gov. Linda Lingle announced today that she has released $75 million to the Department of Education for capital improvements at public schools statewide. The funds were appropriated by the Legislature this past legislative session for building and campus facility improvements, repairs and maintenance at Hawai'i public schools.

Money for capital improvement projects, which are funded mostly through general obligation bonds, cannot be diverted for general fund uses and operating costs.

The projects include reroofing, electrical improvements, restroom renovations, structural repairs, waterline replacements, drainage improvements, installation of railings, fire alarm upgrades, installation of security fences, ventilation improvements, air conditioning upgrades, window and door replacements, lighting improvements, program bell replacements, new gutters, sidewalk repairs, sprinkler upgrade, installation of wheelchair ramps, new ceiling fans, parking lot improvements, kitchen renovations, locker replacements, termite damage repair, rewiring exit signs, repairing covered walkways and other repair and maintenance projects.

In August, Lingle released $22.2 million to the DOE for similar lump sum capital improvement projects at public school campuses statewide.