Gov Releases Millions in CIP Funding for Big Island Projects

Gov. David Ige released millions of dollars in capital improvement project funds for projects Kona, Waikōloa and Hāmākua.

Projects varied from a public charter school in Laupāhoehoe to the Federal Inspection Services Building at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole. Sen. Lorraine Inouye, (District 4 – Hilo, Hāmākua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikōloa, Kona) thanked Ige for releasing the funds.

Approximately $8.2 million was released to finance the design and construction of a new Federal Inspection Services Building at Kona’s airport.

“Financing the design and construction for a new Federal Inspection Services Building at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport is necessary with the expected increase in international visitor arrivals,” Inouye said. “The Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport is a vital economic hub for the Kona side of Hawai‘i Island.”

Approximately $150,000 was released to complete the design for breakwater structure improvements at Kawaihae North Small Boat Harbor in Waikōloa.

“There have been major breaches in the break water at the Kawaihae North Small Boat Harbor in recent years,” Inouye said. “Funding the design for breakwater structure improvements is a critical step to protect the harbor from further damages and ensure the safety of its users. The Kawaihae North Small Boat Harbor is critically important to the North Kona community.”

Approximately $814,000 was released to finance improvements to the Lower Hāmākua Ditch Watershed Project.

“The Lower Hāmākua Ditch has been in dire need of new repairs,” Inouye said. “Financing improvements for projects such the Lower Hāmākua Ditch Watershed Project will go a long way in improving Hawai‘i Island’s local agriculture industry.”

Approximately $580,000 was released to finance design and construction for a photovoltaic system at Laupāhoehoe Community Public Charter School.

“Funding clean energy systems for Hawai’i’s public schools is critical,” Inouye said. “Our keiki deserve to be educated in facilities that are powered by technologies of the future.”