HONOLULU – Gov. Linda Lingle has released a $400,000 grant to the Friends of 'Iolani Palace to assist in covering the non-profit organization's operational costs, including utilities, elevator and air-conditioning maintenance and museum security, according to a news release from the governor's office.

The staff and volunteers of Friends of 'Iolani Palace conduct educational programs and provide tours for the approximately 61,000 visitors who tour the palace annually. The group is also responsible for acquiring and restoring palace furnishings and for the operation and maintenance of the palace and surrounding historical buildings, including the Barracks and Kanaina Building, the release said.

"This grant is part of the state's commitment to preserving Hawaii's cultural history," Lingle said. "Through their educational activities, the Friends of 'Iolani Palace provide local residents and out-of-state visitors with a fresh understanding of our host culture and royal heritage, helping to keep an important part of Hawaii's'i history alive."

Since 2007, a total of $5.4 million in capital improvement funds has been released to replace the 'Iolani Palace's air-conditioning system and improve its climate control system. The state is responsible for capital improvements to the palace under the lease agreement between the Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Friends of 'Iolani Palace. The project is currently in the design phase. Construction is scheduled to begin in October 2009.