Appropriates funds for phase II of the Oahu Veteran's Center at Foster Village.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. Construction for an Oahu veterans center was approved as a $2,800,000 grant-in-aid project in 1995. However, the Oahu veterans council has encountered difficulties in finding suitable property. Two failed attempts to exchange federal lands for state lands resulted in a severe reduction of the original appropriated amount. Finally, almost ten years later, the council has signed a lease with the Foster Village Community Association and residents and phase I construction is underway.

By signing the lease, the council is now responsible for three acres of land and will construct a facility to maintain veteran records and display items of historical value as well as using the facility for community related activities. The council is also planning to establish a scholarship program, which will be offset by facility rentals and fund raising efforts.

Phase I will include a meeting hall, bathrooms, office space for Foster Village Community Association, Honolulu Police Department, and neighborhood security service. Phase II will complete the project with an office building, dining room, and kitchen.

Currently, construction of phase I is underway and phase II will begin once sufficient funds are raised. Costs for construction has risen greatly since 1995, thus the project shortfall is estimated at $1,500,000. The council intends to embark on a fund raising campaign by seeking grants or private donations and hopes to raise the remaining funds though other fund raising ventures.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds for the construction of phase II of the Oahu Veterans Center at Foster Village.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $850,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2005-2006, for phase II of the Oahu Veterans Center at Foster Village to be matched on a dollar-for-dollar basis by the Oahu veterans council.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of defense for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2005.