New Waikoloa Library Update
March 14, 2024 Update:
​
State Rep. David A. Tarnas has informed us that our letters of support for his Capital Improvement Project funding request for the Waikoloa Library to Rep.Scott Nishimoto who is responsible for developing the House Draft of the State Capital Improvement Project budget were effective!
According to Tarnas, our letters made a big impression on Nishimoto. Tarnas explains this is his top priority project and also the top priority for the State Librarian. He shared that they were able to secure an additional $8 million for the Waikoloa Library project, for a total of $21 million. State Librarian Stacey Aldrich has assured Tarnas this funding will be sufficient to construct the project as designed and presented to the community.
​
But we have a ways to go before the funding is complete and secure:
​
This week, the State House will be voting on the State Budget, including the Capital Improvement Project budget. Once it crosses over to the Senate, they will begin deliberations on the bill. State Sen.Tim Richards assures us he also is working for this needed funding and he believes there is a chance.
Mahalo nui loa to all of you who were able to send letters of support and to those who encouraged others to do the same. Our messages have been heard and now is the time for us to allow the Senate to do their work!
Previous Updates:
​
Footnotes from FL-WR President Michael Gaston
We just heard some great news from Hawai'i State Librarian Stacey Aldrich.
Stacey writes:
"I am so excited to share with you that we now have a fully executed agreement with the County of Hawai'i to lease property for the brand new Waikoloa Public Library. We have Land!!
We are also working with Representative Tarnas on the budget needed in this upcoming session to move forward.
We are grateful to you, the Friends and Rep. Tarnas for all of your support!"
We have been on quite the journey these past thirteen years. While the journey is said to be half the fun, we are never the less very pleased that our GPS seems to be saying that we are nearing our destination.
But as Yogi Berra once said, "it ain't over 'till it's over." Now that we are so near to the finish line, this is not the time to rest on our laurels and let down our guard.
We sincerely THANK YOU for being a member of the Friends of the Library- Waikoloa Region. Your support is the reason we have come so far. Your continued support will help us complete the mission.
Mahalo,
Michael Gaston
Interim President