Nearly $5.8 million has been released for construction of a new Kohala Public Library. Currently, this area of the Big Island is only served by the Bond Memorial Library, a converted house that is just 1,610 square feet.

The new library will be nearly four times the size of Bond Memorial Library and will be located near Kohala Elementary School and Kohala High School.

"Public libraries are an important part of any well-educated community," Gov. Linda Lingle said in a press release announcing the release of the money. "This project will enhance the quality of life in the Kohala region by providing residents with a new, energy-efficient library to house larger collections and offer more space for community groups to meet."

Project work will include site grading and construction of a new, 6,000-square-foot library building, parking lot, driveway and other site improvements.

The total project cost is estimated to be $7.83 million. Two prior allotments totaling nearly $2.08 million were released in 2005 and 2007.

Design is scheduled to be completed next month. Construction is scheduled to begin in August and to be completed in February 2010.