Breaking news in the The Honolulu Advertiser (outside news source determines link expiration).

Gov. Linda Lingle has released $1.2 million for equipment and furniture for a new Science and Technology Building at the University of Hawai‘i-Hilo. The funds will be used to purchase furniture, as well as machine shop, physics, astronomy and chemistry laboratory equipment.

The facilities that currently house UH-Hilo’s science and technology programs were built in the 1950s and 1960s. In addition to being too small, they lack the necessary infrastructure and equipment to support modern science programs. The new building will provide additional classroom and research space, allowing for the expansion of student enrollment in science and technology fields and increased research activity.

“Strengthening education in science and technology is an important part of enhancing the innovation capacity of our residents,” Gov. Lingle said in a news release. “By providing UH-Hilo with modern, cutting-edge facilities for studies in these academic disciplines, more of our students will be prepared to enter professions that will diversify our economy and increase the quality of life for residents on the Big Island and statewide.”

The total project cost for the new Science and Technology Building is $28.5 million, which includes $3.5 million for design and $23.8 million for construction.

Construction is scheduled to begin next month and the project is slated for completion in Jan. 2010.