Money Released for Queen Kaahumanu Widening Project

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has released $4.36 million in additional construction funding for the second phase of the widening to four lanes of Queen Kaahumanu Highway in Kailua-Kona.

This phase involves the area between Kealakehe Parkway and the Keahole Access Road.

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The first phase widened the highway from Henry Street to Kealakehe Parkway.

Other funding released Monday included $270,000 for drainage improvements in the area of Hakalau Bridge on Highway 19, also known as the Hawaii Belt Road.

The project is designed to divert runoff that can force closure of the bridge, channeling the water into an interceptor ditch and other drainage features.

The governor also released $500,000 for a study of future modifications at Hilo Harbor. The planning will focus on improving navigation and study of surge conditions at the harbor.

The harbor was built in 1930, and does not readily accommodate today’s larger vessels, the Department of Transportation said.

The funding was part of $12.4 million released Monday for highway and harbor projects across the state.

“Our highways and harbors provide us with a fundamental transportation link that we depend on economically and socially,” Abercrombie said in a statement.

“By investing in this vital infrastructure, we also inject energy into the construction sector, which is expected to be our primary source for economic growth through next year.”