Senator Joy A. San Buenaventura (District 2 – Puna) announced today that Puna is being awarded $49,265,000 in capital improvement projects (CIP) and grant-in-aid appropriations which were included in the final version of the state budget (HB300 CD1) that was voted on in conference committee last week.
Hilo Medical Center will also receive $50,000,000 for construction and equipment for the ICU and Medical Surgical Unit expansion. Puna residents rely on the medical center as the only emergency room in East Hawai‘i and account for 45% of its clinic visits.
CIP funding for Puna includes:
• $30,000,000 to construction for widening the two-lane Highway 130 to four lanes or alternate alignments in this corridor. This will allow the project to qualify for federal aid financing and/or reimbursement.
• $10,000,000 for the design and construction for a new Kea‘au-Mountain View Public Library.
• $5,400,000 to construction for excavation and dredging of volcanic debris and restore the Pohoiki Boat Ramp. This will allow the project to qualify for federal aid and/or reimbursement.
• $1,200,000 for Pahoa High School and Intermediate for plans, design and construction resurfacing of the football field, equipment and extras.
• $560,000 for plans and designs for a new state park in Hawaiian Paradise Park in Puna.
Grant-in-aid appropriations include:
• $450,000 to the Boys and Girls Club of the Big Island
• $400,000 to the Hawai‘i Island Community Health Center (Kea‘au Clinic)
• $400,000 to the HOPE Services Hawaii, Inc.
• $200,000 to Orchidland Neighbors
• $350,000 to Habitat for Humanity Hawai‘i Island
• $130,000 to Kumukahi Health + Wellness
• $100,000 Pohaku Pelemaka
• $75,000 to Men of PA‘A
“I am pleased to announce over $49 million in approriations for Puna and over $100 million for East Hawai‘i this year,” said Senator San Buenaventura. “These investments in our infrastructure, schools, and vital community organizations will go a long way in transforming our community for the better.”
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