Inouye Secures Funding for 2 CIP Projects in District 4

Sen. Lorraine R. Inouye has secured $3.8 million in funding for two capital improvement projects in District 4.

District 4 encompasses Hilo, Hāmākua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa and Kona. The two projects include:

• $1.8 million for Kanu o ka ʻĀina New Century Public Charter School – Plans, design, construction, and equipment for the completion of the Kanu o ka ʻĀina Multipurpose Building to include a certified commercial kitchen space.
• $2 million for Waimea Deep Monitor Well – Kawaihae Road – Land acquisition of 3 acres and well improvements (16” diameter) to continue monitoring the regional aquifer.

“Given the state’s challenging economic situation, I am grateful that my top two CIP priorities for the district were included in this year’s biennium budget,” Inouye said.

The monies for Kanu o ka ʻĀina New Century Public Charter School will add space for a certified commercial kitchen in their multipurpose building that will be used to allow families to receive federal food subsidies.

“The monies to construct a certified commercial kitchen space at Kanu o Ka ʻĀina will be very beneficial to those in our community, especially those who are facing food insecurity,” the senator added.

Previously, Kanu o ka ‘Āina Learning ʻOhana (KALO) received a CARES food grant that ended Dec. 31 which provided four Waimea schools’ students who are economically disadvantaged with a box of meat for their ʻohana every other week.