Maui County will see the launch of more than $295 million in capital-improvement projects within 18 months as part of a sweeping plan to stimulate the economy and create jobs throughout the state, The Maui News reported.

Gov. Linda Lingle, county mayors, construction-industry executives and labor leaders on Monday announced plans to invest in 1,521 capital-improvement projects that were identified by the governor's key Cabinet members as already in the pipeline and ready to start within 18 months.

''This is about people. This is about real families ... being able to have a decent life, being able to make your mortgage payment,'' Lingle said.

Lingle said the projects will be paid for through bonds.

The state sold $226 million in bonds last week and plans to sell another $626 million in the next few months.

''Not one of these projects will be stopped because of financing,'' Lingle said.

Highlights for Maui County projects are listed below.

Some of the projects are identified with their estimated costs and target dates for construction start-up.

On Maui, 217 projects totaling $259.84 million in value include:

* Ma'alaea Small Boat Harbor ferry-system improvements, $16.85 million, January 2009.

* Honoapi'ilani Highway realignment Phase 1A, future Keawe Street extension to Lahainaluna Road (Lahaina Bypass, Phase 1A), $48 million, January 2009.

* Hana Ramp and Wharf improvements to revetment/boat ramp and Americans with Disabilities Act barrier removal, $7.07 million, May 2009.

* Maui Community College Science Building, $21.5 million, July 2009.

* Honoapi'ilani Highway widening, Lahainaluna Road to Aholo Road, $25 million, August 2009.

* Keokea-Waiohuli Phase I, 25 to 75 housing units, developer-financed for Department of Hawaiian Homelands, $7.5 million, August 2009.

* Kahului Airport access road, $38 million, November 2009.

On Moloka'i, 35 projects totaling $25.96 million in value include:

* Kalaupapa Settlement Phase 2 harbor-facility repairs and improvements, $925,303, December 2008.

* Kalaupapa Settlement Nursing Facility, various improvements, $405,000, April 2009.

* Moloka'i Airport aircraft rescue and firefighting station improvements, $6.31 million, June 2009.

* Kaunakakai Harbor ferry, Moloka'i Ferry System improvements, $6.41 million, December 2010.

On Lana'i, 18 projects totaling $9.28 million in value include:

* Lana'i Airport general aviation apron, $6.26 million, December 2008.

* Pu'u Kilea Radio Facility, building addition and other improvements, Information and Communication Services Division, $1.17 million, February 2009.

The projects identified by the Lingle administration span all six major islands. Aside from Maui County projects, about 803 projects total more than $1 billion in value on O'ahu; 327 projects are valued at $406.71 million on the Big Island; and 111 projects total $143.85 million on Kaua'i.

In addition, 10 statewide projects total $17.2 million in value.

To keep the public informed of the progress of the various projects, all 1,521 projects are posted on the governor's Web site, www.hawaii.gov/cip.

"By putting the projects online and updating the public on their status in a timely manner, we are keeping the pressure on ourselves to ensure the projects keep moving," Lingle said. "The public will be able to pinpoint what stage the project is in, and if there are bottlenecks such as permit delays, they will know exactly who to contact and who to hold accountable."

Lingle said investing in capital-improvement projects and the modernization of Hawaii's infrastructure is part of her five-point plan to stimulate the economy.

Other components of the plan include increasing tourism marketing and outreach; lowering business fees and providing tax relief; attracting private investment, especially in renewable energy technology; and maximizing federal dollars and partnerships.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

For more Maui news, visit www.mauinews.com.