Gov. Neil Abercrombie has released more than $8.1 million for capital improvement projects to help protect Hawaii’s watersheds. 

The following priority projects were identified by members of the state Legislature, and funds were approved and released by Governor Abercrombie:

 $3,439,000 – Energy Conservation and Sustainable Design Improvements, statewide – Development and implementation of various energy conservation projects to maximize energy efficiency in public facilities, including the Liliu’okalani, Ke’elikolani and Kina’u Hale Buildings

 $2,000,000 – Waimea Transfer Ditch, Hawai’i – Construction for improvements to the Waimea Transfer Ditch, the primary source of water for farmers in this area

 $1,400,000 – Upcountry Maui Watershed, Maui – Installation of a new pipeline system, including approximately 10 miles of high-density main distribution pipeline; more than 15 miles of lateral and sublateral pipelines; and pressure regulating devices, manholes and siphons on the upper slope of Kula

 $1,000,000 – Waimea Hydropower Plant, Hawai’i Island – Installation of a hydropower plant in the irrigation system

 $300,000 – State Lower Hamakua Ditch Watershed, Hawai’i Island – Repair of flumes, ditches, reservoirs and tunnels for the irrigation system, including removal of sediment in ditches, modification of intake structures and installation of new lateral distribution lines

 $57,000 – Waiahole Water System, O’ahu – Planning and design for improvements