Infrastructure

It may not sound particularly exciting or grand, but “infrastructure” connects our islands to each other and to the world.  It also connects people with jobs today, and our children to the future.  Roads and highways mean that families can visit each other safely, and that goods and services can flow freely from one side of an island to the other.  Harbors receive cargo shipments from the mainland which are then distributed to every island by ocean.  Airports make travel possible between the islands, to the mainland, and the world.  Building, maintaining, and operating these facilities means jobs and the safe transit of cargo and people.  The federal funds I have championed serve these goals for all our communities.

Energy and water are also part of our infrastructure picture.  Hawaii faces unique challenges in both areas.  We are largely dependent on the oil and gas we import to Hawaii.  This dependency can and must change, as we strive to harness the wind, sun, ocean, volcano, and agricultural crops to produce electricity on a large scale.  I have secured federal funds to research every possible renewable and clean energy option to help Hawaii pave the way to greater energy independence.

Today, the acceleration of technology continues at an exponential pace – faster, smaller, more applications.  With our non-contiguous nature, Hawaii has been in the lead in distance learning and rural telehealth use.  Information technology is an area where Hawaii can be competitive because innovative work can be done anywhere, providing that there is significant broadband connectivity.  For this reason, I continue to support significant federal investments in science and technology initiatives, and an information superhighway for Hawaii.

Below are some of my infrastructure accomplishments for Hawaii:

Federal Highway Formula Funds

Hawaii annually receives about $130 million in federal highway formula funds to support the State of Hawaii and the four counties.  Local funds pay 20 percent and the federal funds pay 80 percent to improve and build new roads and highways.  The economic stimulus package provided another $127 million in highway funds to both create more jobs and upgrade infrastructure.  In addition to these formula funds, dollars have been specifically set aside for priority projects on all islands.  For example, federal support for the construction of Saddle Road ensures the safety of both public motorists and military users of this important artery on the Big Island.  Over the last 10 years, the federal government invested $200.4 million which highlights the significant role basic transportation infrastructure plays in the economic development of our state by creating construction related jobs, and its essential role in sustaining our military’s readiness. 

County Buses

Hawaii annually receives about $31 million to support the City and County of Honolulu’s The Bus.  An additional $40.6 million was provided for this purpose in the economic stimulus package.  Moreover, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Counties regularly receive capital funding for the purchase of buses and installation of bus stops to meet growing public transportation needs.  These federal funds will help rural communities cope with the high cost of fuel and reduce traffic congestion. 

Transportation Infrastructure Projects

Over the last 10 years, Hawaii has received in excess of $210 million for a host of transportation infrastructure projects that enable Hawaii’s residents in rural and urban areas safe and better access to work, school, and recreation.  This includes transit, buses, ferry, and targeted federal roads.  Most notable is the Honolulu Transit project, which is intended to reduce traffic congestion between the densely populated capital city of Honolulu and the fast growing city of Kapolei, where 60% of Oahu’s population reside.  In addition, the Federal Lands Program builds roads to and within wildlife refuges, national parks and other significant non-military federal property. 

Airport Improvement Program 

Hawaii annually receives about $28 million to support the Airport Improvement Program which supports construction and new equipment upgrades for all of Hawaii’s airports.  The Transportation Security Administration also provides funds for security screening systems at the airports.  In the economic stimulus package, $63.8 million was provided for explosive detection systems at Honolulu, Kahului, Hilo and Lihue airports.  One of the priority projects is the construction of a new air traffic control tower for the Kona airport; planning and design has been completed and the construction has been budgeted.

Public Housing 

The availability of adequate and affordable housing has oftentimes been a challenge in Hawaii.  The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development annually provides about $126.8 million to the state and counties to support their public housing areas, and their need for affordable housing on their respective islands.  These funds come in the form of tenant-based vouchers, investment partnerships, operating and capital improvement monies.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

NOAA provides key services from forecasting wave sets for surfing, ensuring that the sashimi we eat is fresh and safe, to developing an increasingly mature understanding of our oceans.  NOAA serves an integral role in daily island living and is in the process of standing up a regional presence in Hawaii.  Construction funding of $156.8 million will allow for all of the different components of NOAA to be located in one building, enabling smoother communications and delivery of valuable services to the public.  NOAA currently has three ships and about 500 employees in Hawaii. 

Marine Science Research, Monitoring and Education 

Part of Hawaii’s beauty is in its remote nature.  As a result however, it is often extremely difficult to get from one place to another, particularly in the vastness of the Pacific Ocean.  $37 million was provided for a scientific research vessel, the Hiialakai, to be purchased for coral reef ecosystem mapping, assessment, and monitoring, as well as the refurbishment of another research vessel.  In addition, these funds allowed for proper maintenance and construction of scientific structures necessary for conducting critical marine science research, monitoring and education.

The Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant program and Native Hawaiian Loan Guarantee Fund 

The Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant program and Native Hawaiian Loan Guarantee Fund program were established to provide support to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands for home construction and renovations, as well as to provide assistance to more families on the path to homeownership.  Over the past 10 years, $82.3 million has been appropriated for these programs combined.  With these funds, new communities have been established, more families have gotten homes, and the Department continues its mission to provide homes to more on the waiting list.

Community Development 

Hawaii annually receives about $14.9 million, divided between the counties to support community development.  In addition, I have worked to secure another $24.6 million over the last 10 years for Hawaii specific housing and economic development projects to create healthy micro-economies and vibrant communities.  Appropriated funds have been the catalyst for local economic development by providing job training, access to equipment and facilities for entrepreneurs and small businesses, and contributing to the growth strategy powered by local communities.  Examples of economic development projects benefiting the low income and working families include the West Kauai High Tech Training Facility, Kipahulu certified kitchen, Pacific Gateway Center Business Incubator, and the Goodwill Leeward Job and Training Center. 

Moreover, a healthy community also needs facilities for social services and safe housing.  Projects for community development and housing support include the Lanai Youth Center, Kuhio Park Terrace Community Resource Center, Filipino Community Center, Boys and Girls Clubs, The Arc of Hilo support center, Catholic Charities Community Services facilities, Momilani Adult Day Care Center, Children’s Justice Center, Waipahu Community Association, Iao Theater in Wailuku, the Maui Academy of Performing Arts, Kaloko Housing for homeless families, youth center in Milolii, and increasing the number of Hawaii public housing units available at Lanakila Homes and Kalihi Valley Homes.

The Departments of Agriculture, Education, and Housing and Urban Development each administer an Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions program.  Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions such as Chaminade University, University of Hawaii at Hilo, and all of the community colleges under the University of Hawaii system have received a total of $83.1 million over the past 10 years.  Programs are not limited to Native Hawaiian initiatives but rather support programs and students across the board.  Under the Department of Housing and Urban Development, funds are used by eligible institutions of higher education to expand their capacity to serve low income students and strengthen academic curricula, and provide for community development.  For example, funds have been used for building multi-media and computer labs, certified kitchens, and a cultural learning center.

Kaumalapau Harbor Basin 

The Island of Lanai is extremely dependent on barge traffic for its supplies, and it has only one harbor, Kaumalapau, that receives supply-carrying barges.  Storms over the past 25 years caused significant damage to the rubble-mound breakwater that protects the Kaumalapau Harbor Basin.  Once 400-feet long and a decent barrier to rough seas and surge conditions, the breakwater eroded to half its length.  A total of $24.7 million in federal funds were secured to improve harbor safety and usability for the people of Lanai.

The Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor

The Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor improvement project on the Island of Kauai was initiated more than 28 years ago.  Improvements to the harbor strengthen harbor safety by eliminating dangerous breaking wave conditions within the entrance channel and allow safe passage of vessels entering the basin.  More than $22 million in federal funds were secured to ensure a higher level of navigational safety for the people of Kauai. 

Agriculture’s Pacific Basin Agriculture Research Center in Hilo 

The transformation from large-scale plantation agriculture to a smaller-scale diversified agriculture in Hawaii and the American Pacific requires a strong agriculture research base.  Approximately $48 million in federal funds were secured to complete Phase I of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Pacific Basin Agriculture Research Center in Hilo.  The Center effectively complements the research efforts provided by state and territorial entities.  Plans and funding for Phase II construction (approximately $15.1 million) are on-going.

Kohala Irrigation System

The Kohala irrigation system on the Big Island was severely damaged during the earthquake that rocked the state on October 15, 2006.  Emergency funds in the amount of $2 million were secured to repair the irrigation system which is the lifeblood of the Kohala community.

Hamakua Coast Irrigation Flumes 

Following the closure of Hamakua Sugar in 1992, the plantation-built and maintained irrigation system fell into disrepair putting many diversified farmers along the Hamakua and Hilo coasts in jeopardy of losing their water supply.  Millions of dollars have been invested to develop a reservoir and to shore up the flumes; most recently $1.17 million was provided to continue this important agricultural infrastructure investment.

Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard’s Apprenticeship Program 

As Hawaii’s largest industrial employer with a proud history that earned the motto: “We Keep Them Fit to Fight,” the Shipyard provides vocational and specialized opportunities for the people of Hawaii.  The $17.2 million investment in the Shipyard’s revitalized and flourishing Apprentice Program gives Hawaii’s next generation an opportunity to further their education and skills here at home.  In addition, the over $715 million support for the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard demonstrates its tremendous value as an asset to the Navy’s broad-spectrum capabilities protecting Hawaii, and strengthening our national security in the Asia – Pacific region. 

Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund 

Safe drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects were a priority in the President’s stimulus proposal.  These projects will both create jobs and upgrade needed infrastructure.  $50.1 million in stimulus funds from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund programs will be sent to Hawaii.  Hawaii’s annual allocation from both these programs is about $15.5 million.

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