Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi – Members of the Kauaʻi Delegation are pleased to announce that $145 million in capital improvement projects (CIP) funds have been secured to bring improvements and funding for resources and facilities throughout the Garden Isle. The funds will provide significant and sustainable investments into important projects that address the community's needs.
The State Budget Bill (HB300 CD1) was approved on Tuesday night by Senate and House conferees. Covering the next two fiscal years, 2024 (FY24) and 2025 (FY25), the budget provides appropriations of $11.3 billion and $10.4 billion in general funds, respectively. Additionally, the bill includes a CIP budget of $2.9 billion in FY24 and $1.3 billion in FY25.
House Majority Floor Leader Dee Morikawa (D-17 Ni‘ihau, portion of ‘Ōma‘o, Kōloa, Po‘ipū, Lāwa‘i, Kalāheo, ‘Ele‘ele, Hanapēpē, Kaawanui Village, Pākalā Village, Waimea, Kekaha) serves on the House Finance Committee and was one of the members representing the House during budget negotiations with the Senate.
"CIP funding wouldn’t be possible without the support of our Senate colleagues, so mahalo to Senate President Ron Kouchi for his support of our projects," said Representative Morikawa. “Of utmost importance in District 17, is the repair and replacement of the Waimea High School Baseball/Football field’s perimeter wall and fencing and the resurfacing of the tennis courts. Also, with very hot conditions at Kekaha School, we were able to get funding for a covered play court which will help protect students' health.”
Representative Luke Evslin (D-16 Wailua, Hanamā‘ulu, Kapaia, Līhu‘e , Puhi, portion of ‘Ōma‘o was appointed to the House of Representatives in February 2023 and provided his support alongside his colleagues to achieve funding for their island home. "I’m really grateful to see Kauaʻi getting much-needed funding for our schools, healthcare facilities, housing, natural resources, and renewable energy,” said Representative Luke Evslin. “These funds will improve the quality of life for residents, our children, and generations to come.”
Along with securing funding improvements to healthcare, Representative Nakamura emphasizes that $21.8 million will go toward addressing design, construction, and expansion for education in elementary and high schools throughout the island. "We are pleased to have worked together with our Senate colleagues to carefully craft a budget that addresses critical needs for our State and for Kauaʻi, from keiki to kūpuna," said Representative Nakamura.
Additionally, over $13.4 million has been allocated in FY24 and $43 million in FY25 for improvements to Līhuʻe Airport. The funding is designated for land acquisition, baseyard repairs, and parking lot improvements; however, it will not be used to expand the gates, a plan that was proposed by the previous administration but was shelved due to community concerns.
Capital improvement projects allocated for Kauaʻi in the budget include:
$125,000 for improvements and signage at the Hanapēpē Chinese, Filipino, and Portuguese Cemetery
$1,100,000 for design and construction improvements to the upper and lower Aʻahoaka reservoirs
$7,200,000 for construction of a covered walkway and electrical upgrades at Kapaʻa Elementary School
$2,500,000 for plans and design for a new gym at Kapaʻa High School
$3,000,000 for a new parking lot and access road at King Kaumualiʻi Elementary School
$4,400,000 for plans, design, and construction of a covered play court at Kekaha Elementary School
$340,000 for a new portable classroom at Kawaikini Charter School.
$2,000,000 for plans and design for 114 housing units at the Kapaʻa public housing project.
$3,000,000 for design, construction, and equipment modernization for the operating room at Kauaʻi Veterans Memorial Hospital.
$4,000,000 for clinic and emergency department expansion at Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital.
$1,300,000 for infrastructure, planning, and design to implement the Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital master plan.
$14,900,000 for plans, design, and construction of a psychiatric unit at Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital.
$100,000 for infrastructure at Lehua Island
$200,000 for Pua Loke base yard improvements
$2,100,000 for design and construction for moving sand from the East to the West of the Kīkīaola Small Boat Harbor breakwater
$2,000,000 for improving various lookouts at Waimea Canyon State Park
$3,250,000 for plans, design, and construction to repair retaining walls, replace fencing, and rehabilitate tennis courts at Waimea High School field.
$750,000 for the Department of Water to perform a revised environmental review of the proposed Kapaia waterline.
$56,451,000 for terminal improvements at the Līhuʻe Airport.
$5,000,000 for improvements to Nāwiliwili Harbor.
$16,000,000 for paved shoulders, guardrails, and other improvements to Waimea Canyon Drive.
$15,000,000 for PV rooftops and canopies at Kauaʻi Community College.
$250,000 for plans for student and faculty and staff housing at Kauaʻi Community College.
Grants in Aid allocated for Kauaʻi include:
$400,000 for Hale Puna.
$225,000 for Kauaʻi Habitat for Humanity, Inc.
$165,000 for The Kauaʻi Food Bank, Inc.
$350,000 for Wilcox Health Foundation.
2023 Final Operating GIA:
$50,000 for Kauaʻi Food Bank, Inc.
$275,000 for Mālama Huleʻia.
$125,000 for Nāmāhāna Education Foundation.
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