Maui CIP Projects Included in Legislative Draft Budget

State Capitol, photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

State lawmakers concluded budget meetings ahead of schedule, finalizing funding for various projects across the state in a draft budget document.

A joint conference committee recommended passage of the budget bill on Tuesday.  The measure is more than $250 million less that what was included in the governor’s version of the biennium budget.

The conference draft includes full funding for a new high school in Kihei, as well as funds for the new Central Maui Regional Sport Complex, airport and harbor improvements in Kahului, and multiple stream/bridge rehabilitation projects in East Maui.

Representative Justin Woodson, who represents the Central Maui district, outlined projects included in the budget, saying more than $172 million was secured for the Kahului area lone.

According to information released by Rep. Woodson, Kahului CIP highlights include:

• $950,000 for the construction of phase 2 of the Maui campus of Easter Seals, Maui
• $500,000 for new construction at Maui Economic Opportunity Inc
• $60 million for Hawaii Health Systems Corporation
• $250,000 for operations and student training for the Hawaii Opera Theater
• $50 million for land acquisition to enable Kahului Airport to qualify for Federal aid
• $4.7 million for needed construction of the new Central Maui Region Sports Complex
• $50 million in federal and other funds for improvements and land acquisition for Kahului Airport
• $6 million for improvements the provide safer and more efficient operations at Kahului Harbor

According to the budget document, there are also funds allocated for the operation of a lieutenant governor’s office on Maui.  The bill states the following:

“Provided that of the general fund appropriation for the office of the lieutenant governor (LTG100), $87,760 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2013-2014 and $87,760 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2014-2015 shall be expended for not more than one temporary position and other operating requirements for the lieutenant governor’s Maui office.”

Senator David Ige who chairs the Senate Ways and Means Committee commented in a press release announcing the early progress saying, “By completing work on the budget early, we have more time to consider the state financial plan and make thoughtful decisions on what bills should move forward.”

House Bill 200 now goes before the full House and Senate for a final vote.