Ige Announces Funds For Several Big Island Capital Improvement Projects

Gov. David Ige on Tuesday, April 12, announced more than $276 million for capital improvement projects throughout the state that were released in February and March, including nearly $15.5 million for several Big Island projects.

“These investments in communities around the state provide the best and most direct way to drive our economy and create jobs for our people, and they help to improve the daily experience of our residents and those who visit Hawaiʻi,” said Ige in a press release.

The Big Island projects that will benefit from the release of these CIP funds are:

Wastewater management/treatment plant feasibility study for Pāhoa

• The governor released $500,000 to finance a feasibility and cost study for the construction of a wastewater treatment plant in Pāhoa. The total price tag for the project is estimated at $600,000 and it is expected to be completed in December 2023.

Keākealani Building

• Ige released $750,000 for design work for renovations and improvements to the Keākealani Building in Kealakekua. The project is is expected to cost a total of $13,350,000 and estimated to be complete in October 2024.

Lālāmilo Water Reservoir Pump Storage

• The governor released $8,750,000 to finance the construction of a 10-million-gallon water reservoir for the Lālāmilo water system. The project is expected to cost a total of $31.5 million, with an estimated completion date still to be determined.

Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corp. – Hawaiʻi Region, Kona Community Hospital pharmacy

• This project will provide design and construction funds for the pharmacy expansion project at Kona Community Hospital. Ige released $974,333 for the project, which has a total price tag estimated at $1,759,333. The project is expected to be finished in November 2023.

West Ramp Demolition and Lease Lots, Hilo International Airport

• Ige released a total of $4.5 million to finance construction costs for two portions of a west ramp demolition and lease lots project at the Hilo airport. The portions of the project that were awarded CIP funds cost an estimated total of just more than $25 million and are expected to be completed in June of this year.

“By working together, we can solve the great challenges of our time, create a more sustainable Hawaiʻi and establish the Hawaiian Islands as a place where future generations choose to call home,” Ige said in a letter to the state Legislature announcing the release of the capital improvement funds that was included with the press release.