House Passes $23.3 Billion State Budget

Lawmakers in the Hawaii House of Representatives today passed a version of the state budget totaling $23.3 billion.

Citing their concerns over looming federal budget cuts and unresolved union contracts, representatives shaved $600 million off requests made by Gov. Neil Abercrombie.

Although the budget is significantly less than what Abercrombie had asked for, it would add $1.35 billion to the budget approved in 2011, and restore some funding cut during previous budget shortfalls.

Approximately $2.6 billion in capital improvements are planned in the package, including $200 million to be split evenly between the University of Hawaii and the state’s public school system.

A portion of the state’s unfunded liabilities will be also be addressed, with $100 million set aside per year for that purpose.

Not included in the current budget are programs and contracts that have yet to be approved, including collective bargaining agreements and a statewide preschool system being advocated by Gov. Abercrombie.

The budget now moves to the senate for consideration.