State Sen. Roz Baker shared some good news for West Maui late last week.

The state released $9,910,000 to finance construction of an eight-classroom building at Lahainaluna High School.

“So pleased to see that the funding the Legislature appropriated for this much-needed project has been released,” Baker noted.

“Mahalo for your work on behalf of the residents of your district to secure these funds,” wrote Gov. David Y. Ige in a memo to Baker.

“Projects such as these are critical components of the public infrastructure and contribute to building a better home for our kupuna, keiki, and all the residents of Hawaii.”

According to plans, the new 18,500-square-foot, air-conditioned building will have seven general classrooms that can fit 20-25 students each, a self-contained Special Education room for 10-15 students, restrooms, a faculty center, conference room, electrical room and janitor’s closet.

An accessible walkway over the Lahainaluna Ditch will connect the new building with school facilities to the east.

Slated for completion in 2020, the new building is needed to accommodate future enrollment growth at LHS.

With some 1,000 students attending this year, the historic school is inching closer to its maximum capacity of 1,400 students.