Transpacific Cable Project Included in CIP Funding Release

In August of 2011, Governor Neil Abercrombie launched a major economic development initiative to provide statewide access to affordable ultra high-speed Internet by 2018. File photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

Governor Neil Abercrombie announced the release of more than $52.5 million for Capital Improvement Projects last week, including funds for a $2.2 million Transpacific Cable Project.

The funds are earmarked for planning to create a privately managed operation with submarine fiber optic cable landing stations.  The planning involves identifying potential landing sites, supporting environmental assessments, and pre-engineering studies of potential sites.

The governor said the underwater fiber optic cable will move the state toward achieving its Broadband Initiative goal of universal access to affordable high-speed internet by 2018.

“For a state as isolated as our own, high-speed internet can be transformative, connecting families, businesses and institutions; spurring economic development and innovation; and giving current and future generations a competitive edge,” said Gov. Abercrombie in a statement.

The project is one of six identified for CIP funding to help the state in areas of connectivity, energy and growth.

“Each of these projects represents an investment in the future of Hawai’i and our ability to be proactive in shaping our future as a state,” the governor said.

Other project included in CIP funding allocation include:

• $43,000,000 – Honolulu International Airport, Interim Car Rental Facility, O’ahu:  Financing of a short-term loan, to be paid from rental motor vehicle customer facility charge special funds provided through the US Citizenship and Immigration Services’ “EB-5” Immigrant Investor program, for the construction of a temporary operational area for the five “on-airport” car rental companies.  The overall project allows for the expansion of the existing, undersized facility to at least eight rental car companies at the airport.
• $3,500,000 – Kalaeloa East Energy Corridor, O’ahu: Planning, design and construction of an electrical distribution system between Roosevelt Road and Tripoli Road at Kalaeloa.  The Hawai’i Community Development Authority will develop an energy corridor in East Kalaeloa consisting of above-ground electrical and telecommunications cable lines.
• $2,135,000 – Department of Accounting and General Services Information and Communication Services Division Radio Sites, statewide: Planning of health and safety improvements to support the state’s Anuenue and Hawaiian Microwave System and to expand radio communications coverage on O’ahu and Kaua’i.
• $1,500,000 – Pohukaina Street Mixed-Use Transient Oriented Development Project, O’ahu: Planning for the Hawai’i Community Development Authority’s 690 Pohukaina Street Project, a mixed-use high rise condominium, two smaller residential and commercial buildings, a parking structure and civic-commercial center in Kaka’ako; the project will also be a transit-oriented development, designed to maximize access to public transportation and incorporate features to encourage transit ridership.
• $248,177 – Kulani Correctional Facility, Hawai’i Island: Planning for the reactivation of the Kulani Correctional Facility.