Kauai Lawmakers Ensure Over $93 million in CIP for Kauai

With the close of the 2015 legislative session, Kauai legislators secured over $93 million in Capital Improvement Project (CIP) funding for various projects across the island. The largest amount was provided for highway improvements throughout Kauai. These roadway improvements will address aging infrastructure, improve existing operations, establish additional safety measures, and mitigate the effects of traffic constrictions.

“The upkeep of our roads and highways are a constant challenge and CIP funding are at the heart of our efforts to keep our island’s residents safe while supporting economic growth,” said Representative Dee Morikawa (Niihau, Lehua, Waimea, Koloa). “I'm especially pleased that we were able to fulfill the student driven initiative to provide a new covered play court for the students of Waimea Canyon Middle School."

“These funds are very important for Kauai and especially for the small, and often isolated, communities that make up the island,” said Representative James K. Tokioka (Wailua, Homesteads, Hanamaulu, Lihue, Puhi, Old Koloa Town, Omao). “I’m pleased that the Legislature was able to take stock of what our people’s needs are and respond appropriately.”

“Economic recovery on Kauai has lagged somewhat behind the other islands and so these infrastructural resources will help us catch up with the rest of the state,” said Representative Derek S.K. Kawakami (Hanalei, Princeville, Kilauea, Anahola, Kapaa, Wailua).

“The CIP funding will help address a variety of important concerns and needs on Kauai and I’m pleased that the community will receive the benefits of these projects not just for now, but for years to come,” said Senate President Ron Kouchi (Kauai, Niihau), who managed the CIP discussions on behalf of the Senate.
 

Notable CIP funding highlights for Kauai include:

• $2.5 million for design, construction and equipment to provide photovoltaic power for Kauai Community College
• $1.5 million for an outdoor play court for Waimea Canyon Middle School
• $500,000 to construct a new Waimea River concrete ford crossing
• $500,000 for improvements to Waiakea Canal Boat Ramp
• $4.45 million for the Hanapepe/Eleele transmission waterline improvement project
• $400,000 for renovations to the Kauai Veterans Cemetery Pavilion
• $3.05 million for Moloaa well and post-harvest facility project
• $2.1 million for construction and equipment for Motorola 800 MHZ upgrade Phase III of public safety communications infrastructure
• $1.5 million for the third phase construction of sheltered bus stops along highways
• $20 million for the construction of various airfield improvements at Lihue Airport
• $4.3 million for guardrail and shoulder improvements on state highways on Kauai
• $10.6 million for land acquisition and improvements to Kuhio Highway in the vicinity of Kauai Community Correctional Center and Wailua Golf course
• $23 million for land acquisition, design and construction of a new Kapaa bypass and to widen sections of Kuhio Highway
• $750,000 for rehabilitation and/or replacement for Kapaia Stream Bridge, Kuhio Highway
• $15 million for replacement of Wainiha bridges 1, 2 and 3 along Kuhio Highway
• $100,000 for land acquisition for rehabilitation of Bridge 7E along Kaumualii Highway
• $600,000 for land acquisition and rehabilitation of Waioli Stream, Waipa Stream and Waikoko Stream bridges along Kuhio Highway
• $150,000 for slope stabilization at Lumahai Hillside, Kuhio Highway
• $1.35 million for Kaumualii Highway improvements and rehabilitation
• $1.624 million for the plans and design of the Hanahanapuni Firing Range

In addition to the executive budget CIP funding, appropriations for Grants-In-Aid were also awarded to organizations for the benefit of the Kauai community:

• $513,559 to Kauai Economic Opportunity, Inc. for installation of photovoltaic systems
• $50,000 to Supporting the Language of Kauai, Inc. for a multi-purpose community facility
• $87,400 to Ho’omana, Inc. for renovations to its training center facility
• $120,422 to the Kauai Food Bank for its Keiki Café Community Assistance Program
• $123,203 to Kauai Planning & Action Alliance, Inc. to improve the outcomes for Kauai youth through training and education
• $500,000 to Kauai Economic Development Board for the plans and construction of the new Kauai Creative Technology Center
• $156,765 to Kauai Economic Opportunity, Inc. to assist homeless achieve self-sufficiency and to promote permanent housing solutions

For more information, please contact:

Representative Derek Kawakami (Hanalei, Princeville, Kilauea, Anahola, Kapaa, Wailua)
(808) 586-8435
repkawakami@capitol.hawaii.gov

Representative James Tokioka (Wailua Homesteads, Hanamaulu, Lihue, Puhi, Old Koloa Town)
(808) 586-6270
reptokioka@capitol.hawaii.gov

Representative Dee Morikawa (Niihau, Lehua, Waimea, Koloa)
(808) 586-6280
repmorikawa@capitol.hawaii.gov

Senator Ronald D. Kouchi (Kauai, Niihau)
(808) 586-6030
senkouchi@capitol.hawaii.gov