Kaua‘i gets $2.4 million of transportation funds

HONOLULU — Congressional passage of the $286.5 billion highway spending bill means Hawai‘i can look forward to about $900 million in federal cost sharing for island transportation projects.

All of Kaua‘i’s appropriation of $2.4 million will go for the construction of the Kapa‘a bypass.

“This is a great result for our Hawai‘i, where traffic and transportation challenges have become especially acute,” Rep. Ed Case, D-Hawai‘i, said in a news release issued by his Washington office.

The measure, approved over-whelmingly Friday with the help of Hawai‘i’s four-member Democratic congressional delegation, designates $145.6 million for specific high priority Hawaii improvements, including $74.6 million for the Big Island.

The figure includes $50 million for improvements to Saddle Road and $22.4 million to widen Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway.

O‘ahu is to receive $43 million, with $40.8 million going for transportation improvements in Kapolei.

Maui’s total of $13.2 million includes $12.4 million for construction of the Honoapiilani Highway realignment.

Hawai‘i will also get $17.5 million for capital investments in ferry infrastructure or vessels in support of a renewed interest in a ferry system from West O‘ahu to Honolulu.

The measure also contains language authorizing a rapid transit project for Honolulu, allowing it to move forward and permitting the appropriation of federal funds at the appropriate time.

The bill also addresses such issues as highway safety.

“This landmark highway safety bill will make passenger cars safer, reduce drunk driving, increase seat belt use and improve the safety of trucks and the transportation of hazardous materials,” Sen. Daniel Inouye, D-Hawai‘i, said.

“These significant improvements will save thousands of lives and prevent thousands of injuries each year,” he said.