Governor Releases $3.09 Million in Capital Improvement Grants

News Release from Office of the Governor July 17, 2013

Gov. Neil Abercrombie today announced the release of more than $3.09 million in capital improvement grants to Maui and Hawaii Counties as well as two local nonprofit organizations.

“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,” Gov. Abercrombie said. “Funds will also go toward two nonprofits in Hilo and Kaneohe that serve island youth and families in their respective communities, a wise investment in our state’s future.”

Allotment of funds for the following priority projects, identified by members of the state Legislature, has been approved by the Governor:

$998,000 – Maui County Old Haleakala Highway Sidewalk Project – Planning, design and construction of a new sidewalk along one side of the Old Haleakala Highway, from the Kula Highway to Pukalani Street; the Old Haleakala Highway is frequently used by students attending King Kekaulike High School, and the new path will improve safety

$300,000 – Hawaii County Puainako Street Extension – Right-of-way land acquisition for the conversion of easements on private properties necessary for the extension of Puainako Street, from Komohana Street to the intersection of Kaumana Drive and Country Club Road in upper Kaumana; the project includes a new 4.8-mile, two-lane road with turning lanes, paved shoulders and swales, and drainage improvements

$1,500,000 – Community Based Education Support Services (CBESS) - Friends of Connections, in Hilo – Planning, design, construction and equipment for the first phase of the Kress Building’s renovation to support Connections Public Charter Schools upgrades and improvements; CBESS-Friends of Connections, a Hilo-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, purchased the 40,000 square foot building in December 2006

$300,000 – Kualoa-Heeia Ecumenical Youth (KEY) Project, Kaneohe, Oahu – Design and construction to upgrade and renovate restrooms, storage and other infrastructure at the Kahaluu Multi-Purpose Facility; the KEY Project, a Kaneohe-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, operates the facility as part of its mission to coordinate and enhance educational, recreational and stewardship opportunities for neighborhood families and their children in a safe environment.

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