State grants $230M for Kaua‘i capital projects

LIHU‘E — The state budget that was approved Wednesday by a conference committee made up of representatives from both houses appropriated a historic $230 million for capital improvement projects on Kaua‘i.

“That’s more than we’ve ever appropriated in a single legislative session for Kaua‘i CIP projects,” said state Rep. Jimmy Tokioka, who represents Wailua, Hanama‘ulu, Lihu‘e and Koloa. “This is great for Kaua‘i.”

Among the most substantial projects funded in the budget is the $124 million improvement of Lihu‘e Airport. Part of this project would be the extension of the runway to comply with federal guidelines.

The budget also includes $13 million for improvements to Vidinha Stadium, part of which Tokioka said would be used to replace the grass on the football field with artificial turf.

In all, 28 projects throughout the island were funded.

“I’m thrilled to see funding to continue work at the Mahelona Hospital Master Plan, make needed improvements to the Princeville Library, and begin planning for a covered play court at Kilauea Elementary School,” said state Rep. Nadine Nakamura, who represents Hanalei, Princeville, Kilauea, Anahola and Kapa‘a.

A conference committee unanimously approved the budget bill, HB1600, HD1, SD2, CD1, which includes $8.7 billion in general funds and $16.9 billion in all methods of funding, for the fiscal biennium 2021 to 2023. The total CIP budget is $6 billion.

“Our delegation worked extremely hard this session to secure these funds for the people of Kaua‘i,” said state Senate President Kouchi, who represents Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau. “The past few years have been difficult due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and we believe that these appropriations will go a long way in addressing long-standing issues in our community.”

The list of projects for Kaua‘i includes:

• $3,500,000 for plans, design, construction and equipment for modifications to the Kekaha Ditch Irrigation System;

• $1,500,000 for the design, construction and equipment for gym improvements at Kaua‘i High School;

• $1,182,000 for various improvements and repair projects at Koloa School;

• $1,000,000 for design, construction and renovation of the Emergency Department at Kaua‘i Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waimea;

• $8,000,000 for improvements, construction and renovations for the Kaua‘i region of the Hawai‘i Health Systems Corporation;

• $380,000 for plans, designs and improvements at Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital;

• $1,250,000 for land acquisition of property at Halulu Fishpond (partial matching funds will be provided by the County of Kaua‘i);

• $2,000,000 for construction repair of the Queensland crossing along Wailua Access Road (Loop Road);

• $4,100,000 for plans, designs and construction of a new boat ramp at Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor between Kekaha and Waimea;

• $2,500,000 for plans, design and construction for improvements at the Koke‘e/Waimea Canyon State Park Complex;

• $4,700,000 for plans, designs and construction for various improvements at Polihale State Park;

• $3,766,000 for improvements to Hanapepe Stadium;

• $13,000,000 for various improvements to the track and field at Vidinha Stadium in Lihu‘e;

• $19,700,000 for design, construction and other improvements to the Wailua-Kapa‘a Water System;

• $124,100,000 for design, construction and improvements to various facilities at the Lihu‘e Airport;

• $2,000,000 for plans, land acquisition, design and construction at Nawiliwili Harbor;

• $2,000,000 for plans, design, construction and land acquisition for Port Allen Harbor;

• $4,300,000 for design, construction and installation of guardrails in various areas of Kaua‘i;

• $100,000 for renovations and improvements to the state Department of Transportation’s Kaua‘i District Baseyard;

• $1,000,000 for land acquisition and widening of Kaumuali‘i Highway;

• $4,000,000 for land acquisition, construction and improvements at Kolo Road/Kalamania Road;

• $500,000 for construction on Kuhio Highway (Laukini Road to Kapule Highway);

• $8,000,000 for the repair of the Hanalei Bridge;

• $2,001,000 for plans, construction and equipment of a light signalization near Kaua‘i Community Correctional Center and Wailua Golf Course;

• $400,000 for slope stabilization at Lumaha‘i Hillside;

• $6,800,000 for miscellaneous improvements to existing intersections and highway facilities on Kaua‘i;

• $1,501,000 for construction and equipment for repairs to the Wailua River Bridge;

• $7,700,000 for road repairs and installation of guardrails, pavement markings and other improvements on Waimea Canyon Drive/Koke‘e Road.

The bill will now head back to the floor of both chambers for final votes before being transmitted to the governor for consideration.

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Guthrie Scrimgeour, reporter, can be reached at 647-0329 or gscrimgeour@thegardenisland.com.