HONOLULU — The House and Senate approved in conference last week a bill that contains the operating budget for fiscal years 2018 and 2019. According to HB 100, the proposed budget is $14.1 billion for FY 2018. For FY 2019,
HONOLULU — The House and Senate approved in conference last week a bill that contains the operating budget for fiscal years 2018 and 2019.
According to HB 100, the proposed budget is $14.1 billion for FY 2018. For FY 2019, the proposed budget is $14.3 billion.
Included in the budget is the allocation $158,472 for pesticide regulation and three Department of Agriculture positions for pesticide compliance in FY 2019; $7.8 million for an enhanced 911 dispatch software upgrade; and $1.8 million for the Hawaii Promise Program to provide college tuition support; and general funds to support housing, outreach and legal services for homeless people, according to a release from the Legislature.
The committee also added $1 million to the budget for the Department of Health to fight rat lungworm disease.
HB 100 will go to a meeting with full House and Senate for a Tuesday vote. It would then go to Gov. David Ige for his signature.
HB 100 also contains the proposed Capital Improvement Project budget. For the state of Hawaii, the proposed CIP budget is $1.9 billion for FY 2018 and $926 million for FY 2019.
Specifically for the Garden Isle, Kauai representatives are seeking $167.5 in CIP funds.
There are almost 20 Kauai projects included in the proposed CIP budget for fiscal years 2018 and 2019, from making improvements to Waimea Park and renovating locker rooms at Kauai High School to road repair projects.
“I’m excited that the Kauai delegation worked hard to get many needed projects in the District 14,” said Rep. Nadine Nakamura, (D-Hanalei, Princeville, Kilauea, Anahola, Kapaa and Wailua Houselots).
Specifically, Nakamura pointed to:
w $1.7 million for maintenance, dredging and improvements to Waiakea (Lihi) Canal boat ramp;
w $2.5 million for new announcer’s booth, bleachers, P.A. system and ADA walkway at Bryan J. Baptiste Sports Complex;
w $13.6 million for intersection improvements at Kuhio Highway, Mailihuna Road and Kapaa Stream bridge;
w Bridge repair work for bridges: Hanalei, Waioli, Waipa, Waikoko, Wainiha Nos. 1, 2, and 3;
w Planning and design for a new school gym at Kapaa High School;
w Planning and design for the renovation or rebuilding of Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital.
