Gov. Linda Lingle has released $73,000 to help finance the design and construction of a certified kitchen at the Mana'olana emergency homeless shelter on Kaua'i.

The Kaua'i Economic Opportunity, Inc. (KEO), which leases the site from Kaua'i County and operates the facility, will use the state capital improvement grant to renovate space for a new certified kitchen to provide meals to people staying at the shelter, according to a new release issued by the governor's office.

The new kitchen will also provide opportunities to train individuals in food preparation. A portion of the grant will fund the installation of a grease trap and the purchase of kitchen equipment.

In addition to the state funds, KEO has secured a Community Development Block Grant as well as a private grant from the Hawai'i Hotel Association for the purchase of a commercial refrigerator.