House of Reps Approves State Budget

The Hawai‘i House of Representatives unanimously approved HB1900, the state budget, which appropriates funds for operating the government and capital improvement projects for Fiscal Years 2018 and 2019.

Rep. Sylvia Luke (Makiki, Punchbowl, Nuʻuanu, Dowsett Highlands, Pacific Heights, Pauoa), House Finance chair, said the Executive Budget was scrutinized carefully and adjusted to make sure Hawaiʻi will have a sustainable budget moving forward.

“This is a budget that keeps our government operating without wasting money and provides funds for many much needed projects,” said Rep. Luke. “I’m happy that we are able to provide funding for many state schools and libraries and to support education.”

The state Department of Education’s total operating budget for kindergarten through grade 12 including charter schools and libraries (fiscal year 2019 $2.1 billion) includes:

• $500,000 for the Early College program.
• $1,000,000 to provide additional support to English Language Learners.
• $183,818 for two positions to support World Languages and Health Education.
• $400,000 for the Teacher Certification Stipend Program to help increase the number of qualified public school teachers.
• $500,000 for the Alternative Teacher Route Program to help with recruitment and certification of potential public school teachers.
• $850,000 for athletic travel to provide students with the opportunity to compete in interscholastic athletic competitions.

Capital improvement project funds for schools and libraries (fiscal year 2018 – $463 million, and fiscal year 2019 – $310 million) include:

• $90.0 million to maintain and improve facilities and infrastructure, statewide.
• $1.8 million for the design of a classroom building at De Silva Elementary School, Hawaiʻi.
• $2.4 million for the design of a multi-purpose building at Ha‘aheo Elementary School, Hawaiʻi.
• $60.0 million for the development of the new Pohukaina Elementary School, O‘ahu.
• $3.7 million for the construction for a covered play court at Kapiolani Elementary School, Hawaiʻi.
• $13.0 million for phase two construction of the new East Kapolei Middle School, O‘ahu
• $10.0 million for the design and construction of a new intermediate school at Kahului, Maui.
• $2.5 million for the design of a new library at Kapa‘a Elementary School, Kaua‘i.
• $2.5 million for the design and construction for parking lot and drainage improvements for Kapa‘a High School, Kaua‘i.
• $2.0 million for the design of a new classroom building at Paia Elementary School, Maui.
• $20.5 million for phase one of a new classroom building at Waipahu High School, O‘ahu
• $3.5 million for health and safety improvements, accessibility improvements and renovations for public libraries.
• $3.5 million for the design for phase one renovation of the existing building at the Makiki Public Library.
• $700,000 for the repair and renovation of the Kahului Public Library.
• $300,000 for the planning of a new library in Kea‘au and Mountain View, Hawaiʻi.
• $1.9 million for land acquisition for a public library in Waikoloa, Hawaiʻi.

For Fiscal Year 2018, the budget bill totals $7.24 billion in general funds and $14.10 billion in all means of financing. For fiscal year 2019, it appropriates $7.4 billion in general funds and $14.3 billion in all financing means.

The budget includes a total of $2.2 billion for fiscal year 2018 and $2.1 billion for fiscal year 2019 for CIP.

Go online to see the budget bill.