Legislators fight for funding for ‘priority projects’

HONOLULU — According to a press release from the Hawaii state legislators, the Kauai team of legislators, including Reps. Dee Morikawa, Luke Evslin, Nadine Nakamura and Senate President Ron Kouchi expressed their appreciation on Friday for the collaborative efforts in the 2025 Legislative Session that led to the inclusion of critical funding for priority projects in the Executive Budget, of HB 300 CD1 for Fiscal Years 2025-2026 and 2025-2027.

“I deeply appreciate the teamwork within our Kauai delegation,” said Kouchi (Sen. Dist. 8 — Kauai, Niihau) in the release. “These investments reflect our shared commitment to improving the lives of our residents, preserving our environment, and strengthening the island’s future. We are proud of what we’ve accomplished together and remain committed to seeing these projects through for the people of Kauai. 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 Kauai.”

The proposed budget reflect the Kauai delegation’ commitment to addressing the unique needs of communities across the Garden Island through targeted investments that strengthen infrastructure, enhance public services, and build long-term resilience.

Some of the highlights include:

• Acquisition of agricultural lands from Grove Farm — $39,000,000 for FY 2026;

• Acquisition of agricultural lands in Waimea, Kauai $1,300,000 for FY 2026;

• New Kapaa Public Library plans and design — $2,000,000 for FY 2026;

• HPHA Ka Lei Momi Development, Kapaa Homes plans and design — $4,000,000 for FY 2026;

• Hoola Lahui Hawaii, 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;

• Hanapepe Stadium improvements — $3,500,000 for FY 2026;

• Hanapepe Stadium improvements — $3,500,000 for FY 2026 (matching county funds);

• Vidinha Stadium improvements — $8,000,000 for FY 2026 (matching county funds);

• Lihue Airport improvements — $1,000 for FY 2026/$4,600,000 for FY 2027 (matching federal funds);

• Lihue 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 FY2026/$4,000 for FY 2027 (private contributions);

• Kaumualii Highway improvements — $4,000,000 for FY 2026/$20,800,000 for FY 2027 (matching federal funds);

• Kaumualii Highway improvements — $1,000,000 for FY 2026/$5,200,000 for FY 2027 (revenue bond funds);

• Kauai Community College student/workforce housing — $5,000,000 for FY 2026/$10,000,000 for FY 2027;

• Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, Kauai 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 Lihue Public Tennis Courts — $950,000 for FY 2026;

• University of Hawaii Community College Systems — AI-based Center Pathways Program — $1,000,000 for FY 2026/$1,000,000 for FY 2027.

House Speaker Nadine Nakamura (House Dist. 12 — Haena, Wainiha, Hanalei, Princeville, Kilauea, Anahola, Kealia, Kapaa, portion of Wailua, Kawaihau) said, “This budge reflects our shared vision for Kauai — strengthening public safety, supporting education, and investing in our infrastructure. It highlights what we can achieve together through community input and collaboration.”

Fiscal Year 2026 Operation Budget includes:

• Hookipa Kauai: $75,000;

• Kauai Foodbank: $75,000;

• The Waipa Foundation: $80,000;

• Rescue Tube Foundation: $200,000;

• Kumano I Ke Ala O Makaweli: $185,000.

Fiscal Year 2026 Capital Improvements Projects include:

• Hale Opio Kauai: $168,000;

• Kauai Economic Opportunity: $600,000;

• Kauai Foodbank: $116,000;

• Malama Kauai: $350,000;

• Namahana Education Foundation: $400,000;

• Hui Malama O Kaneiolouma: $400,000.

House Majority Floor Leader Morikawa (House Dist. 17 — Niihau, portion of Omao, Koloa, Poipu, Lawai, Kalaheo, Eleele, Hanapepe, Kaawanui Village, Pakala Village, Waimea, Kekaha) said, “It is 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 Kauai, and I’m grateful for the collaborative process that made it possible.”

The legislative release said HB 300 CD1 will go through a final vote in the Senate and House before heading to the governor for a decision.

Evslin (House Dist. 16 — Wailua, Hanamaulu, Kapaia, Lihue, Puhi, portion of Omao) said, “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 Kauai.”