Phase 2 of Kīhei High School Included in House Budget

Kaniela Ing, courtesy photo.

The House Finance Committee voted to appropriate $37.5 million for the second phase of construction on the upcoming Kīhei High School, marking the single largest Department of Education appropriation in the House Budget.

Rep. Kaniela Ing (D-Kīhei) who has been advocating to fund the project since first elected, expressed that the appropriation did not come without its challenges:

“We had a few critics from West Oʻahu arguing that Maui does not deserve a new school, but having too many portables does not compare with not having a single classroom. I’m proud to say that we made our case and prevailed for our Maui community,” said Rep. Ing in a statement.

The high school broke ground in January and tractors are currently on site for the groundwork. $30 million is currently available for Phase I. The additional funding will continue construction through the next few years, according to Rep. Ing.

Kīhei High School plan. Image courtesy Rep. Kaniela Ing.

“This additional funding may be used to construct classrooms, offices, and cafeteria, reduce costs through economies of scale, and help ensure timely construction. All that will be left is the sports complexes. It’s all very exciting,” said Rep. Ing.

Finance Chairwoman Rep. Sylvia Luke, who adjusted the Governor’s budget to include this line item, expressed her support for the project saying, “Kaniela was instrumental in securing funding to begin and continue construction on this new school, and I will continue to work with him to make sure its completed.”

The budget now crosses chambers where Senators will advocate to add their priorities.

MAUI NOW STORY LINKS

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