Gov. Linda Lingle has released $1.85 million in design and construction funds to improve the energy efficiency of the state Capitol and other state buildings on O'ahu.

Project work includes the installation of new or upgraded energy-efficient products, materials, systems and equipment.

"It is important that the state lead by example in making public buildings more energy and cost-efficient," said Lingle. "Deferring these projects would delay our cost-saving benefits and result in building systems and equipment becoming obsolete."

Projects include:

• State Capitol: $64,000 in design funds will be used to install light sensor switches throughout the building to turn off or lower lighting in areas not being occupied. In addition, Lingle released $1.36 million for construction to install protective tinting on windows to reduce the heat gain and load on the air-conditioning system.

• Kalanimoku Building: An additional $350,000 has been allotted for design to replace the air-conditioning system's air-handler units, ducts, controls and basement exhaust fans, which are old, deteriorating and not working properly. The Kalanimoku Building is located at 1151 Punchbowl St.

• Kakuhihewa Building (also known at the Kapolei State Building), Kapolei, O'ahu: $48,000 will cover design to install light sensor switches throughout the building to turn off or lower lighting in areas not being occupied.

• Hale Auhau Building: An additional $30,000 will cover design to replace the air conditioning system's air-handler units, ducts and controls. Located at 425 Queen St., the Hale Auhau Building houses the Department of the Attorney General.

Design and construction timelines for these projects vary. Construction on all projects is scheduled to be completed by December 2010.