Gov. Linda Lingle has released $3.29 million to reroof the hangar used by Honolulu Community College's Pacific Aerospace Training Center at Kalaeloa Airport.

The existing roof is leaking and needs to be replaced.

"The Pacific Aerospace Training Center prepares students for careers in commercial aviation and has directly aided my administration's efforts to diversify our state's economy through workforce development in high-tech fields," Lingle said in a news release. "This project will ensure that the school has a safe and modern facility for its instructional programs and that it achieves its potential as a world-class center for aviation training in the Asia-Pacific region."

PATC offers instruction for aeronautics maintenance technicians and commercial pilots, and is the only university-associated aviation program in the state. Use of Hangar 111 at Kalaeloa has been essential to the school's flight program and has helped Honolulu Community College expand aviation training opportunities in Hawai'i.

Design is ongoing and scheduled to be completed in June 2008. Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2008 and be completed in August 2009.

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