Gov. Linda Lingle has released $1.15 million to complete the first phase of construction of low-income senior housing at the Hale Mahaolu Ehiku complex in Kihei. The project is being developed by the nonprofit Hale Mahaolu.

To date, 34 one-bedroom affordable rental units have been completed. This grant-in-aid will allow for the construction of 21 additional units, as well as a manager's unit, a Harry and Jeanette Weinberg South Maui Senior Center, an adult daycare center and an office building to house Hale Mahaolu administrative staff and operations. Subsequent phases will bring the total number of units to 114 and also add a residential care home, dental office, community police substation and office space for support services.

The project is set on six acres at the corner of Old Welakahao Road and Liloa Drive.

Total cost for the first phase of construction is $20.9 million. Other funding has come from a combination of sources.

Construction is scheduled to be completed in April 2009.