December 17, 1999

Governor Tells State Librarian to Spend Existing Funds to Start Kapolei Library

Background:

On September 16, 1999, State Librarian Virginia Lowell informed the Board of Education the Governor had told her to start building the Kapolei Library with the existing $8.5 million gained in 1988. The Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) will now begin advertising for bids to build phase I of the Kapolei Library.

Previously, the State Librarian had said she wanted the funds to be reauthorized during the 2000 Legislative session, and $2 million more added in the 2000 session. Representative Moses, who serves the Kapolei area and sits on The House Finance Committee, has been urging the Librarian and the Board of Education to move ahead with the money already on hand which without further action would expire if not obligated by June 30, 2000, and any additional money could be sought in the next session. The Governor also told the State Librarian he would support asking the Legislature for $2 million to complete Phase I.

Representative Mark Moses (R):

“I am extremely pleased the Governor reached the common-sense solution that I and thousands of people in the Kapolei region had been pushing for. Over the past two months we have gotten over 2,000 signatures on a petition urging the Governor, the Board of Education, and the Librarian to start building the Kapolei library using the existing appropriations. Many people from the community contacted the Governor, the Board of Education, and the State Librarian, urging them to start work on this project.”

“We are fortunate the Governor was not distracted by the fact the Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board had supported the State Librarian in her decision to put the Kapolei Library project on hold. The members of the Neighborhood Board were likely swayed by incorrect statements given them by the State Library System, rightfully confused by the complexity of the state budget process; and lacking a detailed knowledge of the Hawaii economy, revenue forecasts, etc.”

“My thanks to all of you who helped with you signatures on the petition; and to all of you who wrote or called the Governor and the Board of Education. Together we do make a difference.”

“However, we must remain vigilant. The Kapolei Library is not yet built, and we need to get $2 million more dollars. I will be asking for your help during the Legislative Session to call, write and testify in support of the Kapolei Library.”

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