KAILUA-KONA >> A Big Island charter school will get a $2.9 million federal loan to add more classroom space.

The Innovations Public Charter School in Kailua-Kona will use some of the money to build a soccer field and a covered basketball court, in addition to refinancing existing debt. 

U.S. Sens. Daniel Inouye and Daniel Akaka and U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono announced Wednesday the money will come from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Community Facility Direct Loan program. The program allows public entities to obtain loans and guarantees to develop essential community facilities in rural areas and in towns with populations of up 20,000.