The state has released $1,797,800 to upgrade telecommunications systems at Kapa'a High and Kapa'a Elementary schools on Kaua'i and Kailua Intermediate School and Nanakuli High and Intermediate School on O'ahu.

Funds will be used to provide classrooms with adequate data and electrical connections, and for other improvements to accommodate the schools' overall telecommunications needs, including high-speed Internet access, according to a news release from the office of Gov. Linda Lingle.

"As we strive to increase the innovation capacity of students by engaging them in science, technology, engineering and math, it is important that our schools have a modern, high-tech infrastructure," Lingle said in the news release. "These projects will help to equip our schools – and students – for the 21st century."

The allotments include $487,800 in additional design and construction funds for Kapa'a High and Kapa'a Elementary schools, which are being addressed together since the schools share some facilities; $1.1 million in design and construction funds for Kailua Intermediate School; and $210,000 in design funds for Nanakuli High and Intermediate School.

The total costs of the three projects are estimated to be $1.4 million, $1.1 million and $1,380,000, respectively.

Design for the projects is scheduled to begin in December 2008 and be completed in October 2009. Construction is scheduled to begin in March 2010 and be completed in December 2010.