$998,000 Obtained for Old Haleakalā Hwy Sidewalk Project

The north entrance of King Kekaulike High School is located along the Old Haleakalā Highway in Pukalani. File photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

State officials announced the release today of a $998,000 capital improvement grant for a sidewalk project along the Old Haleakalā Highway in Pukalani.

The funds are aimed at improving safety in the area, which is frequently used by students attending King Kekaulike High School, officials said.

The money will be used for the planning, design, and construction of a new sidewalk along one side of the Old Haleakalā Highway between Kula Highway and Pukalani Street, the announcement said.

The funds are among several capital improvement grants released by the governor for projects across the state, totaling $3.09 million.

In announcing the grants, Governor Neil Abercrombie said in a press release, “I am pleased to inform Mayors Arakawa and Kenoi that these capital improvement grant funds are now available to move their roadway and pedestrian safety projects forward.”

Other projects include $300,000 for a the extension of Puainako Street in Hawaiʻi County; $1.5 million for the non-profit Community Based Education Support Services – Friends of Connections in Hilo; and $300,000 for the non-profit Kualoa-Heʻeia Ecumenical Youth Project in Kāneʻohe on Oʻahu.

The priority projects were identified by the the state Legislature and funding was approved by the governor.