Gov. Green requests state funding for Kohala Ditch, Kona hospital, Pohoiki Boat Ramp

Hawai’i Gov. Josh Green has included in his budget request to the State Legislature funding for three long-desired Big Island infrastructure projects.

He transmitted these requests in a March 10 letter to the State Legislature. They are:

• Pohoiki Boat Ramp Construction ($40 million with match federal funds). Dredging a majority of the accumulated lava debris from Pohoiki Bay in Pāhoa to restore the Pohoiki Boat Ramp back to pre-disaster condition and operation. This project is deemed necessary to qualify for federal aid financing and/or reimbursement. The 18-foot-wide ramp has been closed due to the buildup of lava debris from the 2018 Kīlauea eruption.

• Kohala Ditch repairs ($10 million): Funding is for plans, design and construction for repairs to Kohala Ditch, which provides water to communities in North Hawai’i. The legislature finds and declares that the appropriation is in the public interest and for the public’s health, safety and general welfare of the state.

• Kona Community Hospital improvements ($21.7 million): Funding is for three projects. Expansion of its pharmacy; upgrades to critical hospital infrastructure to mitigate the risk of closure; and space optimization by expand and renovating multiple space on the hospital campus.