SENATE PRESIDENT KOUCHI AND KAUAʻI DELEGATION SECURES OVER $126 MILLION IN THE STATE BUDGET FOR THE GARDEN ISLE
Today, Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi (District 8 - Kauaʻi, Niʻihau) announced that over $144,967,000 in capital improvement projects had been secured in the state budget bill (HB300 CD1) for the Garden Isle.
These projects include:
• $56.452 million for land acquisition and construction for improvements to the terminals, systems, and facilities at Līhuʻe Airport.
• $16 million for the construction of paved shoulders, installing guardrails, pavement markings, signs, and other improvements on Waimea Canyon Drive and Kokeʻe Road.
• $15 million for the design and construction of PV rooftops/canopies, storage batteries, and other energy efficiency projects at Kauaʻi Community College.
• $14.9 million for the design, construction, and equipment for a new psychiatric unit at the Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital.
• $7.2 million for the construction of a covered walkway and electrical upgrades at Kapaʻa Elementary School.
• $5 million for plans, land acquisition, design, and construction of various improvement projects at Nāwiliwili Harbor.
• $4.4 million for the plan, design, and construction of a covered play court at Kekaha Elementary.
• $3.25 million for the plan, design, and construction to repair retaining walls, replace fencing, and rehabilitate tennis courts at the Captain Cook Memorial Park.
• $3 million for the plan, design, and construction of a new access road and parking lot to include new ADA accessible parking stalls at Kaumualiʻi Elementary School.
• $3 million for design, construction, and equipment modernization related to the operating room renovations at the Kauaʻi Veterans Memorial Hospital.
• $3 million for the design, construction, and development of the Emergency Department of Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital.
• $2.5 million for the plan and design of a new gym at Kapaʻa High School.
• $2.1 million for moving accumulated sand/sediment at Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor.
• $2 million for mitigation and safety improvements at the Waimea Canyon Lookout.
• $2 million for plans and design of 114 housing units, 36 replacement public housing units, and up to 78 additional housing units (mix of supportive housing, affordable housing, and workforce housing) at the Kapaʻa Public Housing Project.
• $1.3 million for the plan and design for master planning related to infrastructure, water, and sewer at Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital.
• $1.1 million for the design and construction of improvements to the upper and lower ʻAʻahoaka reservoirs.
• $1 million for the design, construction, and clinic expansion at Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital.
• $750,000 for plans and design of an environmental review document related to the Kauaʻi County Water Department’s Water Plan 2020 NO. PLH-35B Construct Kapaia Cane Haul Road 19-Inch Main Project.
• $340,000 for a construction grant to Kawaikini Public Charter School for relocated portables, ramp renovation for ADA access and compliance, and a cultural performance and community gathering area.
• $250,000 for plans related to a study for student forms and faculty/staff housing at Kauaʻi Community College.
• $200,000 for electrical upgrades, gas pump, and roof repairs at the Pua Loke Baseyard.
• $125,000 for construction improvements and signage at the Hanapēpē Chinese, Filipino, and Portuguese Cemetery.
• $100,000 for construction for water system upgrade, dangerous metals removal, solar panel and battery installation, repair the water catchment system for staff and out-planting and installation of solar panels for Lehua Island Seabird Sanctuary.
“Due to collaborative efforts with Representatives Morikawa, Nakamura, and Evslin, our island delegation successfully obtained significant funding in the state budget to tackle a range of critical infrastructure issues throughout Kauaʻi,” said Senate President Kouchi. “These capital improvement projects will make a considerable difference in enhancing the overall living standards for those who call the Garden Isle home.”
In addition to the capital improvement project monies, the following Kauaʻi organizations received grant-in-aid funding from the state:
• $350,000 for the Wilcox Health Foundation
• $350,000 for the ʻOhana Pacific Foundation
• $275,000 for Malama Huleʻia
• $225,000 for Kauaʻi Habitat for Humanity, Inc.
• $215,000 for The Kauaʻi Food Bank. Inc. ($165,000 for capital improvement projects and $50,000 for operating)