Committee Passes Hilo Economic Revitalization Bill

Sen. Kahele

On Thursday, April 26, 2018, a Hawai‘i State House and Senate conference committee approved S.B. 3058 S.D. 2 H.D. 2 C.D. 1 (S.B. 3058), which establishes the Hilo Community Economic District and authorizes the Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) to extend or modify the terms of certain public leases, within the economic district, upon BLNR approval.

“This bill is a homerun for Hilo,” said Sen. Kaiali‘i Kahele, introducer of the bill. “It’s no secret that Banyan Drive and the Kanoelehua Industrial Area are in severe disrepair and in need of major infrastructure improvements. S.B. 3058 provides the certainty needed for the economic heart of Hilo to incentivize major infrastructure investments. This initiative is just the first step that will combine the strengths of the public sector, private enterprise, and the community to unlock the economic potential of East Hawaiʻi.”

Sen. Kahele concluded by saying, “I would like to thank my House counterpart, Rep. Chris Todd, and the House and Senate Leadership for their support in passing this bill.”

Sen. Kahele represents the 1st Senatorial District, which encompasses the greater Hilo area on the Island of Hawai‘i.