Funds released for Puna library plan

Gov. David Ige released $550,000 for a regional library plan for Puna.

Sen. Russell Ruderman, who made the announcement, said that is the remainder of the $800,000 previously approved for a feasibility study and planning.

After initially considering a single regional library for the district, Ruderman, D-Puna, Ka‘u, said the state is now considering two separate regional libraries, serving lower and upper Puna.

Additional funding will be needed to complete the design and construction.