KAHULUI, Maui — Gov. Linda Lingle today signed a bill that allows a six-year, statewide modernization of the state's harbors.

The changes are expted to cost $842 million and affect the transport of people and cargo. Lingle signed the bill at Kahului Harbor, the busiest Neighbor Island commercial harbor.

"This historic investment to modernize and expand our state's harbors recognizes the critical role our commercial harbors play in the state's economic well-being," the governor said. "The upgrading of these ports is aimed at assuring the operational efficiency of these facilities to accommodate future population growth and economic expansion."

Harbor infrastructure improvements are planned at Honolulu and Kalaeloa harbors on O'ahu; Kahului and Hana harbors on Maui; Nawiliwili on Kaua'i; and Hilo and Kawaihae Harbors on the Big Island.