In celebration of Bishop Museum’s 125th anniversary, Gov. Neil Abercrombie announced $1 million will go toward infrastructure improvements.

"The Bishop Museum’s collections and exhibits have educated millions of its visitors for more than a century," Abercrombie said in a news release. "These improvements will ensure that future generations will also have a chance to experience Hawaii’s premier cultural and historical destination."

The following projects are expected to begin this month and be completed in 2016:

» Renovations and repairs to the main entrance, admission and ticket areas at the Jabulka complex.

» Restore and repaint the cement grill facade at the Pauahi building, which houses most of the Natural Science Collection.

» Repair and replace walkways in front of and adjacent to Hawaiian Hall.

» Install pest eradication freezer room in the Konia building.

» Install compaction shelving and/or collection cabinets in various collection areas in the Pauahi building.

» Fire safety improvements at the Pauahi building that include replacement of piping, sprinklers, sensors and ducts.

» Review of fire safety infrastructure at all buildings and integration into a central monitoring command center in the museum’s security office.

Other awards and donations:

» Hale Kipa recently received a joint donation of a new photovoltaic system by RevoluSun and American Piping & Boiler Co.

"The solar system so generously donated by RevoluSun and Piping & Boiler Co. will allow us to invest more funds into our mission of improving the lives of at-risk youth and their families," said Punky Pletan-Cross, chief executive officer of Hale Kipa. "Our youth are our primary focus and we are truly grateful for these businesses’ support."

The energy costs saved through the 5-kilowatt solar system will be directed to Hale Kipa’s program operations.

» Ukulele Festival Hawaii, a nonprofit organization, awarded three $1,000 scholarships to college students interested in ukulele playing.

"We are pleased to present three scholarships this year to outstanding students who are continuing their education after high school and have a passion for playing the ukulele," said Roy Sakuma, board president of Ukulele Festival Hawaii. "They are carrying on our organization’s mission of sharing laughter, love and hope through this wonderful, four-stringed instrument."

Kieran Long, a 2014 graduate of Pahoa High and Intermediate School, will receive $1,000. Long has been playing the ukulele since 2009.

Nick Acosta, a 2014 graduate of Damien Memorial School, will receive the $1,000 Lili Anama Park Memorial College Scholarship. Acosta, who was born without his right arm below the elbow, uses his left hand to finger chords and notes and his right elbow to strum the strings. He has been playing the ukulele since age 10.

Wendy Yoshioka, working on her master’s degree at the University of Hawaii at Manoa Myron B. Thompson School of Social Work, received the $1,000 Eleanor Nedjar College Scholarship, presented to an Ukulele Festival college student volunteer who exemplifies the true spirit of aloha by placing service above self.