Gov. Linda Lingle released $250,000 yesterday to design upgrades for Lana'i Community Hospital, including renovations to the emergency room, construction of a new waiting room and the installation of new doors. The project will be managed by the Hawai'i Health Systems Corporation (HHSC), which oversees 12 public hospitals across the state.

The total project cost, including construction and new equipment, is estimated to be $1.2 million, of which the remaining $950,000 will be requested by HHSC at a later date.

Design is scheduled to be completed in July 2008. Construction is currently scheduled to begin in September 2008 and be completed in April 2009.

An additional $1,318,000 has been included in the Administration's Supplemental Budget for Fiscal Year 2009 for plumbing upgrades at Lana'i Community Hospital.