Gov. Linda Lingle has released $16.36 million to finance improvement projects at correctional facilities statewide, including the relocation of the Maui Community Correctional Center to Pu'unene.

"Improvements to our correctional facilities will help ensure the health and safety of inmates and public safety employees, as well as the overall security of the surrounding communities," Lingle said in a news release issued by her office. "The repairs and upgrades will also increase the operational efficiencies of our correctional facilities."

Maui Regional Public Safety Complex

The Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS), working with the Department of Public Safety (PSD), will use $9 million for the design of a new Maui Regional Public Safety Complex to be constructed at a 38.8-acre site in Pu'unene. The new facility, which will house more than 840 inmates, will replace the existing overcrowded Maui Community Correctional Center at Wailuku by 2012.

The new public safety complex will be program-intensive and house minimum- and medium-security inmates. It will also include space for support functions such as intake services, health care, drug and sex offender treatment programs, parole programs, education and vocational services, and other intensive reintegration programs.

The design phase is expected to be completed in June 2009 and officials anticipate opening the project to contract bids by late 2009.

Public safety facilities statewide

The governor has also released $7.36 million for various improvements and upgrades, including numerous health, safety and security projects at public safety facilities statewide.