The Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems on Tuesday received a $2.3 million boost in funding officials hope will make the state agency’s more appealing to NASA and other space agencies.

The funding includes $1.8 million geared for the space center’s plans to expand its facilities and $500,000 to cover operations, said Rob Kelso, who began serving as PISCES’ executive director Nov. 1.

The money will improve PISCES facilities, including the construction of a space technology research and development complex, to provide not only testing grounds, but also the ability to design and develop technologies. Specifics on the plans will be released at a later date. Read the full story.

And here’s the latest in other neighbor isle gov’t and politics:

Ruling to allow UH to proceed with telescope

$1M bail for Kalaheo man reduced

Man convicted in axis deer case feels unjustly targeted

Huge crowd speaks out on Hanalei project

Renovated Lahaina library reopens

Committee defers decision on Kealia subdivision

DLNR denies claims in fish lawsuit

Lahaina Bypass group to dissolve

Poipu restaurant pays $47K cesspool fine

NRA president speaks in Hilo

Heated PLDC hearing includes Maui testimony

Liliuokalani Trust to begin EIS for Keahuolu next year

Illustration of NASA’s Curiosity Mars Rover courtesy IntelFreePress.