Senator Joy San Buenaventura (District 2 – Punā – East Kaʻū) announced today that over $12 million in capital improvement project (CIP) monies have been secured for her district to address transportation, school infrastructure and broadband access needs.
HB200, the State budget bill, was unanimously approved by the Senate and House conference committee on April 19th and includes:
- $10 million in fiscal year 2022 for the design, plan and construction of a new library in upper Puna. This is in addition to existing plans for a library in lower Puna.
- $1.3 million to reinstall a right-turn on red from Shower Drive to Highway 130 that was removed to allow a left turn lane from Highway 130 into Shower Drive.
- $1.23 million to improve facilities and other infrastructure at Mountain View Elementary School.
- $250,000 to install split air conditioning units and other ventilation improvements at Kea‘au Middle School.
- $20.5 million for a statewide cell to everything (v2x) system allowing broadband access through state highways. Installation will include in-field devices, associated software and smartphone application. This will especially help rural communities like Puna aand Ka‘ū.
“These CIP monies will go a long way in helping to improve the quality of life for residents in my district,” said Senator San Buenaventura. “Addressing issues relating to transportation, school infrastructure and broadband access were funding priorities of mine and I want to thank my legislative colleagues for helping me to secure these monies.”
Senator San Buenaventura is also hopeful that her priority of continued funding for the Hilo Youth Challenge program will be included in the final version of the budget.