KAUAʻI DELEGATION SECURES FUNDING FOR PRIORITY PROJECTS AND COMMUNITY INVESTMENTS IN STATE BUDGET

Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i – The Kauaʻi Legislative Delegation is celebrating the successful inclusion of major investments for the island in the state’s Executive Budget, HB1800, for Fiscal Year 2027 following the 2026 Legislative Session.

The delegation, consisting of Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi, Speaker Nadine K. Nakamura, House Majority Floor Leader Dee Morikawa, and Representative Luke A. Evslin worked collaboratively throughout the session to secure funding to support critical infrastructure, strengthen public services, protect natural resources, and improve the quality of life for communities across Kauaʻi.

“Your Kauaʻi Senate and House legislative delegation worked as a cohesive unit to appropriate funds necessary to address infrastructure needs, environmental issues, and community grants for all Garden Island residents.” said Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi (Senate District 8 – Kaua‘i, Ni‘ihau).

House Speaker Nadine K. Nakamura (House District 15 – Hā‘ena, Wainiha, Hanalei, Princeville, Kīlauea, Anahola, Keālia, Kapa‘a, portion of Wailua, Kawaihau) said, “This funding reflects the Kauaʻi Delegation’s continued commitment to building a more resilient and sustainable future for the island through targeted capital improvement projects, environmental initiatives, and community-based grants."

Notable highlights include:

Capital Improvement Projects:

·         $16,600,000 for Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital

·         $3,000,000 for Lima Ola and Kaumualiʻi Highway

·         $1,000,000 for Kapaʻa High School Track and Field

·         Department of Health

o   $4,100,000 for Līhuʻe Health Center, Laboratory Improvements

·         Department of Land and Natural Resources

o   $350,000 for Kīlauea Radio Repeater

o   $8,000,000 for West Kaua‘i Baseyard

o   $1,000,000 for West Kaua‘i DLNR Resources Offices

o   $3,000,000 for Nounou mountain, Wailua

·         Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corporation Kauaʻi Region

o   $12,500,000 for design, construction, and equipment for the Kauaʻi region of the HHSC for improvements and renovations including new facilities, renovations, expansion, and/or replacement of facilities; ground and site improvements; equipment and appurtenances

·         Kaumuali'i Highway - Lihu'e to West of Maluhia Rd

o   $5,400,000 (Revenue Bond Funds) and $21,600,000 (Federal Funds) for land acquisition, design, and construction for widening of Kaumualiʻi Highway from two to four lanes. This project is deemed necessary to qualify for federal aid financing and/or reimbursement.

·         Lihu'e Airport Improvements

o   $8,096,000 (Revenue Bond Funds) and $4,600000 (Federal Funds) for design and construction for improvements to terminals, systems, and facilities at the airport. This project is deemed necessary to qualify for federal aid financing and/or reimbursement.

·         Kaua‘i Community College

o   $10,000,000 for plans, design, and construction for student, faculty/staff, and workforce housing; equipment and appurtenances

·         $3,000,000 for design and construction for Department of Hawaiian Home Lands lot development in Hanapēpē.

·         Nawiliwili Harbor Improvements

o   $4,000,000 (Federal Funds) and $4,000,000 (Private Contributions) for Harbor Improvements.

Green Fee Projects:

• $10,886,000 for Water Systems Safety and Preparedness for West Kaua‘i.

• $250,000 for Kaua‘i flood notification.

• $500,000 for Kaua‘i coral restoration program.

• $353,653 for threatened and endangered seabird colony management and recovery on Kauai.

• $500,000 for Mobility Hub: Kaua‘i Wailua.

• $250,000 for Kuia and Honopū Trail.

• $700,000 for state parks cesspool upgrade at Kokeʻe State Park and Waimea Canyon State Park.

2027 CIP Grants-in-Aid Funding:

·         Anaina Hou Community Park, Kīlauea.

o   $350,000 to construct code compliant on-site water storage tank for fire suppression and continued legal operation.

·         Hawai‘i VA Foundation

o   $100,000 in operational funding expands Our Kūpuna's local volunteer network on Kaua‘i to support kupuna while strengthening Hawai‘i's community health workforce.

·         Homestead Community Development Corporation, Kekaha

o   $150,000 to purchase and install a photovoltaic solar energy system at the HCDC-owned and operated West Kaua‘i Enterprise Center.

·         I Ola Wailuanui

o   $80,000 to support capital improvements and restoration work at the heiau to preserve, rehabilitate, and enhance the site for cultural, educational, and community use.

·         Kaua‘i Economic Development Board, Hanapēpē

o   $300,000 for re-roofing of Zenshuji Hall located in West Kauaʻi.

·         Kaua‘i Planning and Action Alliance

o   $150,000 to support two Kauai youth and family resilience events providing workshops on financial literacy, homeownership, career pathways, wellness, food sustainability, and trade education through partnerships with local nonprofits and schools.

·         Keala Foundation

o   $250,000 to provide services that improve youth physical and mental health programs.

·         Kūkulu Kumuhana O Anahola

o   $200,000 to improve the mental health and food security of residents and underserved communities.

·         Language of Kaua‘i Inc, Puhi

o   $100,000 to design and construct covered outdoor pavilion at Kawaikini New Century Public Charter School.

·         ‘Ohana Pacific Foundation

o   $160,000 to support operational costs for Kauaʻi’s only adult day health program, providing social activities, meals, personal care, and caregiver respite services for kupuna regardless of ability to pay.

·         Project Vision Hawai‘i

$150,000 to expand free and low-cost dental healthcare services for underserved Hawaiʻi residents through school-based screenings, mobile outreach, restorative care programs for vulnerable women, and clinic-based dental treatment for low-income patients.

·         The Waipā Foundation

o   $130,000 to strengthen local food production networks.

·         YMCA Kauai, Hanalei

o   $65,000 in Operating Funds.

o   $250,000 for YMCA Camp Naue infrastructure renovations and upgrades

House Majority Floor Leader Dee Morikawa (House District 17– Ni‘ihau, portion of ‘Ōma‘o, Kōloa, Po‘ipū, Lāwa‘i, Kalāheo, Ele‘ele, Hanapēpē, Kaawanui Village, Pākalā Village, Waimea, Kekaha) emphasized, “We are grateful to secure funding that will make meaningful investments in Kauaʻi’s communities and support the long-term well-being of our island home.”

Representative Luke A. Evslin (D-16, Wailua, Hanamā‘ulu, Kapaia, Līhu‘e, Puhi, portion of ‘Ōma‘o) said, "This budget reflects our delegation’s commitment to protecting Kaua’i’s natural resources and investing in the health of our communities."

The state budget bill has been sent to the Governor for his consideration to be signed into law.

###