Overcoming doubts about construction costs, state House and Senate conferees agreed last night to provide an additional $25.2 million for a new Kapolei court complex.

The state Judiciary had said the money was needed after construction bids for a Family Court courthouse and juvenile detention center came in higher than expected. The Judiciary has to have construction contracts by the end of June or risks losing land that has been donated by James Campbell Co. for the project.

The Legislature had approved $95 million for the project two years ago and rejected a request for an additional $48 million last year to cover higher construction costs, forcing the Judiciary to alter its plans. But construction bids for a revised complex also came in higher, prompting the Judiciary to again come back to lawmakers for more money.

The complex would replace overcrowded or aging court facilities Downtown and is part of the shift of government services to Kapolei, O'ahu's second city. The complex is expected to open in 2010.

"We got our money. We're going to have a court," said Thomas Keller, the administrative director of the Judiciary.

Some House lawmakers were reluctant to agree to the $25 million increase, given the shifting construction estimates, but Senate leaders argued it was necessary.

"That was a gift from the Senate," state Rep. Tommy Waters, D-51st (Lanikai, Waimanalo), the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, told Judiciary officials.

Reach Derrick DePledge at ddepledge@honoluluadvertiser.com.