The state has released about $39 million to remove cesspools at schools across the state to comply with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Clean Water Act.

The release of the money comes after education officials made public appeals to state lawmakers this past legislative session, after Gov. Linda Lingle did not include in her budget the DOE's request for $49 million to remove more than 300 cesspools from rural schools.

The money will go toward the total cost of some $78 million to remove cesspools statewide. So far about half of the 60 public school campuses affected by the EPA consent decree have had their cesspools removed.

According to a news release, the projects will be conducted in phases at the following schools:

On the Big Island: Holualoa Elementary, Honoka'a Elementary, Honoka'a High and Intermediate, Ka'u High and Pahala Elementary, Kohala Elementary, Kohala Middle, Konawaena High, Konawaena Middle, Laupahoehoe High and Elementary, Na'alehu Elementary, Pa'auilo Elementary and Intermediate, Waiakea Elementary, Waiakea Intermediate.

On Kaua'i: 'Ele'ele Elementary, Kalaheo Elementary, Kapa'a High, Kaua'i High, Kekaha Elementary, Koloa Elementary, Waimea High.

On Maui: Hana High and Elementary, Kula Elementary, Makawao Elementary.

On Moloka'i: Kaunakakai Elementary, Kilohana Elementary, Kualapu'u Elementary, Maunaloa Elementary (depending on water/sewer issues).

On O'ahu: Ka'a'awa Elementary, Waimanalo Elementary and Intermediate.