$1.8 M in Grant-in-Aid Funds Appropriated for Maui

Architectural rendering of Paia’s Heritage Hall. Courtesy state Department of Health and Munekiyo & Hiraga.

By Maui Now Staff

Maui County residents will have improved health care facilities in Hāna, a resource center for Heritage Hall in Pā‘ia, and a park for Kalamaula Homesteaders on Moloka‘i after a panel of state lawmakers reached an agreement Tuesday on the overall state budget for the current biennium, lawmakers announced. 

The current draft of the bill includes $1.8 million in funding for several key Capital Improvement Projects for Grant-in-Aid programs and $350,000 in operating GIA projects for Maui County.

Hale Mahaolu. Photo by Wendy Osher.

The state Senate compiled highlights for the Maui CIP GIA appropriations, which include:

• $500,000, Hāna Health: for the plans and construction of an improved health center.  Hāna Health is the only health care provider in the district.
• $300,000, Heritage Hall: for the construction of a cultural resource center as part of Heritage Hall in Pā‘ia. The center will allow the public to experience hands-on learning about the Portuguese and Puerto Rican culture and ties to Hawai‘i history.
• $525,000, Maui Youth and Family Services: for the construction of a new administration facility to support the agency’s efforts to expand its residential substance abuse treatment capacity on Maui.
• $500,000, Kiowea Park: for the plans, design and construction for needed improvements of the park facilities within the Kalamaula Homestead on Moloka‘i.
• $200,000, Hale Mahaolu:  to assist with operations of personal care services for disabled and chronically ill adults to assist them in maintaining a safe, independent lifestyle in their homes.
• $150,000, Hui Malama Learning Center: operational funds to assist with providing educational services to at-risk youth in Maui County.

Maui’s senatorial delegation said the funding provides much needed improvements that address needs for current and future generations.

“These projects are incredibly important for Maui County and will truly benefit the residents by providing much needed improvements in their communities,” said Senate Majority Leader, J Kalani English (Hāna, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i and Kaho‘olawe) in a press release statement.

Senator Rosalyn Baker (South and West Maui) also commented saying the funding reflects the efforts of the state Legislature to establish financial policies that are “not just for this biennium, but for years to come.”

Fellow Senator Gil Keith-Agaran (Wailuku, Waihe‘e, Kahului) also provided a statement saying, “We were able to obtain a considerable amount of funding for Maui County and we’re thankful the conference committee recognized the needs of our communities.”