KAUAʻI DELEGATION SECURES SUPPORT FOR KEY COMMUNITY PROJECTS AND ORGANIZATIONS IN STATE BUDGET

KAUA‘I, HAWAI‘I – Kaua‘i legislators today expressed their appreciation for the collaborative efforts in the 2025 Legislative Session, which led to the inclusion of critical funding for priority projects in the Executive Budget, HB 300 CD1 for Fiscal Years 2025–2026 and 2026–2027. 

The proposed budget reflects the Kaua‘i Delegation's commitment to addressing the unique needs of communities across the Garden Isle through targeted investments that strengthen infrastructure, enhance public services, and build long-term resilience.  

Notable highlights include: 

·                     Acquisition of agricultural lands from Grove Farm – $39,000,000 for FY 2026 

·                     Acquisition of agricultural lands on Waimea, Kaua‘i – $1,300,000 for FY 2026 

·                     New Kapa‘a Library plans and design – $2,000,000 for FY 2026 

·                     HPHA Ka Lei Momi Development, Kapa‘a Homes plans and design – $4,000,000 for FY 2026 

·                     Ho‘ola Lahui Hawai‘i, a medical and dental outpatient clinic for a federally qualified health center and Native Hawaiian health care system site plans and design – $1,500,000 for FY 2026 

·                     Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital plans and design, including connector road planning – $500,000 for FY 2026 

·                     Plans and design for breach of lower Kapahi Reservoir to comply with dam safety regulations – $500,000 for FY 2026 

·                     Mana Dragstrip Improvements – track and facility maintenance, repair and upgrades to stadium, track lighting, spectator lighting, equipment acquisition - $700,000 for FY 2026 

·                     Hanapēpē Stadium improvements – $3,500,000 for FY 2026 

·                     Hanapēpē Stadium improvements – $3,500,000 for FY 2026 (matching county funds) 

·                     Kūhiō Highway (Hardy to Oxford St.) water main replacement – $1,500,000 for FY 2026 

·                     Kūhiō Highway (Hardy to Oxford St.) water main replacement – $1,500,000 for FY 2026 (matching county funds) 

·                     Vidinha Stadium improvements – $8,000,000 for FY 2026 

·                     Vidinha Stadium improvements – $8,000,000 for FY 2026 (matching county funds) 

·                     Līhuʻe Airport improvements – $1,000 for FY 2026/$4,600,000 for FY 2027 (matching federal funds)  

·                     Līhuʻe Airport improvements – $9,225,000 for FY 2026/$5,140,000 for FY 2027 (revenue bond funds)  

·                     Nawiliwili Harbor improvements – $9,992,000 for FY 2026/$4,992,000 for FY 2027 (special funds)  

·                     Nawiliwili Harbor improvements – $4,000 for FY 2026/$4,000 for FY 2027 (matching federal funds) 

·                     Nawiliwili Harbor improvements – $4,000 for FY 2026/$4,000 for FY 2027 (private contributions) 

·                     Kaumuali‘i Highway improvements – $4,000,000 for FY 2026/$20,800,000 for FY 2027 (matching federal funds) 

·                     Kaumuali‘i Highway improvements – $1,000,000 for FY 2026/$5,200,000 for FY 2027 (revenue bond funds) 

·                     Kaua‘i Community College student/workforce housing – $5,000,000 for FY 2026/$10,000,000 for FY 2027 

·                     Hawai‘i Health Systems Corporation Kaua‘i Region - plans, designs, and equipment for new facilities, renovation, expansion, equipment - $20,000,000 for FY 2026/$12,500,000 for FY 2027 

·                     Wilcox Elementary School Tennis Courts plans, design, and construction for reconstruction of Līhuʻe Public Tennis Courts - $950,000 for FY 2026 

·                     UH Community College Systems – AI Based Center Pathways Program - $1,000,000 for FY 2026/$1,000,000 for FY 2027 

Fiscal Year 2026 Operating Budget:  

·                     Ho‘okipa Kaua‘i – $75,000 

·                     Kaua‘i Foodbank – $75,000 

·                     The Waipā Foundation – $80,000 

·                     Rescue Tube Foundation – $200,000 

·                     Kumano I Ke Ala O Makaweli – $185,000 

Fiscal Year 2026 CIP: 

·                     Hale Opio Kaua‘i – $168,000 

·                     Kaua‘i Economic Opportunity – $600,000 

·                     Kaua‘i Foodbank – $116,000 

·                     Mālama Kaua‘i – $350,000 

·                     Namahana Education Foundation – $400,000 

·                     Hui Mālama O Kāneiolouma - $400,000 

“I deeply appreciate the teamwork within our Kaua‘i delegation,” said Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi (Senate District 8 – Kaua‘i, Ni‘ihau). “These investments reflect our shared commitment to improving the lives of our residents, preserving our environment, and strengthening the island’s future. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished together and remain committed to seeing these projects through for the people of Kaua‘i. We also want to thank the Ways and Means Committee Chair Donovan Dela Cruz and House Finance Chair Kyle T. Yamashita for their support of Kaua‘i.” 

House Speaker Nadine K. Nakamura (House District 15 – Hā‘ena, Wainiha, Hanalei, Princeville, Kīlauea, Anahola, Keālia, Kapa‘a, portion of Wailua, Kawaihau) said, “This budget reflects our shared vision for Kaua‘i – strengthening public safety, supporting education, and investing in our infrastructure. It highlights what we can achieve together through community input and collaboration.” 

Representative Luke A. Evslin (House District 16 – Wailua, Hanamā‘ulu, Kapaia, Līhu‘e, Puhi, portion of ‘Ōma‘o) added, “I’m especially encouraged by the funding that supports long-term resilience and sustainability for our home. Strategic investments in housing, agricultural lands, and water infrastructure are essential to preserving the health of our communities and ensuring that future generations can continue to live and thrive on Kaua‘i.” 

House Majority Floor Leader Dee Morikawa (House District 17– Ni‘ihau, portion of ‘Ōma‘o, Kōloa, Po‘ipū, Lāwa‘i, Kalāheo, Ele‘ele, Hanapēpē, Kaawanui Village, Pākalā Village, Waimea, Kekaha) emphasized, “It’s always our goal to ensure that rural and neighbor island communities like ours are not left behind. This budget includes meaningful support for the people of Kaua‘i, and I’m grateful for the collaborative process that made it possible.” 

HB 300 CD1 will go through a final vote in the Senate and House before heading to the Governor for a decision.