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Posted: Friday, June 29th, 2012 9:12 AM HST

Governor lends backing for Lanakila renewal

By Ken Hupp - 67AM KPUA News

Governor Neil Abercrombie has pledged his support for the renovation and remodeling of the 65 vacant units in Hilo’s Lanakila Housing complex on Kapi`olani Street. State lawmakers appropriated $7.5 million dollars during the last legislative session to fix the derelict homes in the “Block 4” section which have sat in complete disrepair for the better part of 10 years. During a recent site visit with State Senator Gil Kahele, the Governor heard from Yuri Barron-Silva, who is on the Lanakila Housing waiting list. “I got out of the military and there were no jobs here,” Barron-Silva said. “I have children with my girlfriend, my high school sweetheart, and we’ve been on the list for Lanakila for close to 3 to 4 years.” “How can you be on the list with this,”? Abercrombie asked. “We’re the next to get housing,” Barron-Silva replied. “And they’ve been telling us for 6 months, oh, the funding is coming, the funding is coming in, but its been almost 2 years.” Abercrombie told Barron-Silva that he absolutely would get on the issue. Senator Kahele, who successfully sought the funding, said he’s hopeful the project can beginby the end of the year.