HONOLULU — Gov. Linda Lingle has released a $500,000 capital improvement grant to the Hawai‘i Nature Center to build an environmental and recreational center at the Wailua Reservoir on Kaua‘i. The planned 3,000 square-foot facility will provide Kaua‘i school children,
HONOLULU — Gov. Linda Lingle has released a $500,000 capital improvement grant to the Hawai‘i Nature Center to build an environmental and recreational center at the Wailua Reservoir on Kaua‘i.
The planned 3,000 square-foot facility will provide Kaua‘i school children, residents and visitors with educational programs and outdoor nature experiences, and include an educational learning center with classrooms, a community meeting space and recreational area, a news release states.
“Hawai‘i Nature Center’s programs on O‘ahu and Maui provide opportunities for youth and residents of all ages to connect with nature and learn about our unique environment,” Lingle says. “This grant will allow the organization to extend programs to the Kaua‘i community and help to foster a new generation of environmental leaders in our state.”
Hawai‘i Nature Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating Hawai‘i’s youth about wise stewardship of the islands and preserving the state’s natural resources. This includes school programs for students in grades K-6 with lessons focused on science-based principles.
The Kaua‘i facility is estimated to cost $4.5 million. To cover remaining costs, the organization will be launching a capital campaign and applying for additional federal and foundation funding.
Design of the facility is currently scheduled to begin in July and be completed within a year. Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2009 and be completed in December 2011.
