Hawaii to spend $3.4 billion in infrastructure projects

The Hawaiian state will spend a $3.4 billion fund for the construction of new projects and the maintenance of the existing infrastructure.

The bill will now move to the full House and Senate in order to be approved. It covers the current and the 2 following years (2020 and 2021) and the fund will be distributed as follows:

1. $1.3 billion for the construction of new public schools and maintenance of the existing ones. A $23 million fund will be delivered for maintenance and renovations at Haaheo Elementary School on the Big Island, $5.5 million at Highlands Intermediate School on Oahu, $6 million for Kahului Elementary School on Maui and $2.6 million for Kapaa High School on Kauai. Moreover, a new gymnasium with brand-new facilities at Roosevelt High School will absorb another $20 million.

2. $617 million for airport and airfield improvement projects, including a $170 million fund for a new hall at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.

3. $458 million or more for the replacement, maintenance and repair of bridges.

4. $384 million for harbor projects.

5. $275 million for projects concerning the University of Hawaii system. Those include the construction of new buildings and the maintenance-modernization of the old infrastructure. In particular, a $41 million fund will be provided for the renovation of Sinclair Library at the Manoa campus and another $38 million for repairs in the existing parking lot there.

6. $65 million for repair, maintenance and renovations to buildings under the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation (HHSC).

7. $36 million for maintenance, repairs and improvements to state buildings. Moreover, the state will provide a $8.75 million fund to construct a water reservoir at the Lamalilo Water System on the Big Island.

If the bill is approved with no delays, the large project will initiate in July, 2019.

Sources: Civilbeat.org, Constructiondive.com