HILO >> The University of Hawaii is approaching a July deadline to commit millions in state-approved funds for its long-awaited pharmacy school in Hilo.

The Hawaii Tribune-Herald reports legislators in 2014 authorized $28 million in bonds with $5 million to be raised by the university for the project. The appropriation will lapse at the end of the fiscal year.

Bids to build the pharmacy school came in over budget earlier this year.

University spokesman Dan Meisenzahl says the university is still exploring its options, like putting the project out for bid again.

The construction site has been mostly untouched since officials held a groundbreaking ceremony in December 2014.

Nearby portable buildings host classes.

Meisenzahl said the groundbreaking was intended to be more ceremonial than an official mark of construction starting.