New boat lift project at Hilo Harbor gets $525K capital improvment funding boost

An improvement project at a Big Island harbor facility recently received a big funding boost.

Hilo state Sen. Lorraine R. Inouye, who represents Hawai‘i Senate District 1, announced earlier this week the release of $525,000 in state harbor special funds for a new boat lift project at Hilo Harbor. 

The funding will be used for construction and installation of what Inouye, the state Senate majority whip, called a “crucial” new lift to serve the 25-foot aluminum-hulled security and disaster recovery vessel stationed at the harbor. 

“This is more than an equipment upgrade — it’s an investment that enhances our harbor’s operational capabilities and strengthens our disaster preparedness,” she said in her announcement about the funding. “The new lift will allow us to launch our vessel quickly and safely to protect our shores and support our community.” 

The boat lift project will be managed by Hawai‘i Department of Transportation Harbors Division.

Inouye is chairwoman of the Hawai‘i Senate Water and Land Committee, vice chairwoman of the Transportation and Culture and the Arts Committee as well as a member of the Ways and Means Committee.