Hawaii unveils US$ 1.8 billion infrastructure plan
16 December 2008
The Hawaii state government has unveiled a US$ 1.87 billion plan designed to stimulate its economy and create jobs.
Unveiling the plan State Governor Linda Lingle said it focused on 1521 projects state-wide that have already been budgeted and approved by the Legislature and are ready to start construction within the next 12 to 18 months.
Investing in capital improvement projects (CIP) and the modernization of Hawaii's infrastructure is a major part of the Governor's five-point action plan to stimulate the economy. The five-point plan includes a commitment to increasing tourism marketing and outreach; lowering business fees and providing tax relief; attracting private investment, especially in renewable energy technology; and maximizing federal dollars and partnerships.
Prior to the announcement, said Ms Lingle, a "strike force" team comprised of key members of the cabinet worked to identify state projects that could be accelerated and moved into the construction phase in the next 18 months.
The CIP projects identified span all six major islands, including US$ 1 billion (803 projects) for O‘ahu; US$ 407 million (327 projects) for Hawai‘i; US$ 260 million (217 projects) for Maui; US$ 144 million (111 projects) for Kaua‘i; US$ 26 million (35 projects) for Moloka‘i; and US$ 9.3 million (18 projects) for Lāna‘i. In addition, there are 10 state-wide projects totalling US$ 17.2 million.
The CIP projects build on the progress of the state's US$ 2.3 billion Airports Modernization Plan and the US$ 618 million Harbors Modernization Plan, and also includes highway improvements; repairs, maintenance and new construction at educational establishments; public library upgrades/repairs; small boat harbour upgrades/expansion; affordable housing and Hawaiian Homes construction; public housing facility repairs/renovations; hospital and health care facility improvements; correctional facility renovations; agricultural irrigation improvements; hurricane shelter retrofits; state park improvements; state building repairs and improvements and energy efficiency projects.
The Administration's focus on increasing public construction activity comes as private building permits fell -8.8% to US$ 240 million in the first nine months of 2008. The number of permits for residential housing units state-wide also decreased (-30.6%) to 3937 units. During the same period government (federal, state and county) contracts awarded also fell, -US$ 72.2 million or -9.6%.
The decreases in private construction permits and government contracts were partially offset by ongoing military housing initiatives. State capital improvement project expenditures were up +US$ 362 million or +44% for the first nine months of 2008.
Key projects by island (a complete list can be found at www.hawaii.gov/cip):
O‘ahu - US$ 1 billion (803 projects)
East Kapolei II - East-West Road (estimated cost: US$ 19.8 million; estimated start date: January 2009)
East Kapolei Phase I, Increment 1, House Construction, 111 Homes, Developer Financed for DHHL (estimated cost: US$ 28.9 million; estimated construction start: January 2009)
University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Campus Center Renovation and Expansion (estimated cost: US$ 25.6 million; estimated construction start: March 2009)
Interstate Route H-1, Addition and Modification of Freeway Access, Palailai Interchange to Makakilo Interchange (Kapolei Interchange Complex), Phase 1 (estimated cost: US$ 16.6 million; estimated construction start: April 2009)
East Kapolei Phase I, Increment 1B, House Construction, 75 Homes, Developer Financed for DHHL (estimated cost: US$ 19.5 million; estimated construction start: July 2009)
Honolulu International Airport, Mauka Concourse Improvements (estimated cost: US$ 77.5 million; estimated construction start: August 2009)
Windward Community College, Library Learning Resource Center (estimated cost: US$ 35.7 million; estimated construction cost: August 2009)
University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa - Repair and Maintenance and Renovation Projects to Various Student Housing Facilities (estimated cost: US$ 36 million; estimated construction start: dates vary by facility - the majority of the projects are scheduled to start between December 2008 - September 2009)
Nimitz Highway and Ala Moana Blvd. Resurfacing and Highway Lighting Replacement, Fort St. to Kalakaua Ave. (estimated cost: US$ 34.3 million; estimated construction start: April 2010)
Hawai‘i - US$ 407 million (327 projects)
Kona Airport Parking Lot Expansion Phase III (estimated cost: US$ 7.1 million; estimated construction start: January 2009)
Construction of Inter-Island Cargo Terminal Facility at Hilo Harbor - Dredging (estimated cost: US$ 20 million; estimated construction start: March 2009)
Keaukaha Military Reservation Joint Military Center, Phase I (estimated cost: US$ 50.8 million; estimated construction start: May 2009)
University of Hawai‘i - Hilo, Student Services Building Addition and Renovation (estimated cost: US$ 21.7 million; estimated construction start: June 2009)
Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway Widening, Phase II (estimated cost: US$ 77.2 million; estimated construction start: September 2009)
Laiopua Village 5, House Construction, 50 to 100 Homes, Developer Financed for DHHL (estimated cost: US$ 17 million; estimated construction start: November 2009)
Maui - US$ 260 million (217 projects)
Ma‘alaea Small Boat Harbor Ferry System Improvements (estimated cost: US$ 16.8 million; estimated construction start: January 2009)
Honoapi‘ilani Highway Realignment, Phase 1A, Future Keawe Street Extension to Lahainaluna Road (Lahaina Bypass, Phase 1A) (estimated cost: US$ 48 million; estimated construction start: January 2009)
Hana Ramp and Wharf Improvements to Revetment/Boat Ramp and ADA Barrier Removal (estimated cost: US$ 7 million; estimated construction start: May 2009)
Maui Community College Science Building (estimate cost: US$ 21.5 million; estimated construction start: July 2009)
Honoapi‘ilani Highway Widening, Lahainaluna Road to Aholo Road (estimated cost: US$ 25 million; estimated construction start: August 2009)
Keokea-Waiohuli Phase I - 25-75 Housing Units - Developer Financed for DHHL (estimated cost: US$ 7.5 million; estimated construction start: August 2009)
Kahului Airport Access Road (estimated cost: US$ 38 million; estimated construction start: November 2009)
Kaua‘i - US$ 144 million (111 projects)
Kilauea River/Wailapa Stream, Kaua‘i, Sediment and Debris Removal (estimated cost: US$ 3.3 million; estimated construction start: March 2009)
Kaumuali‘i Highway, Kuhio Highway and Kuamo‘o Road Retaining Walls (estimated cost: US$ 3.24 million; estimated construction start: April 2009)
Pi‘ilani Mai Ke Kai Phase I, House Construction (estimated cost: US$ 7.8 million; estimated construction start: June 2009)
Līhu‘e Airport Parking Lot Improvements (estimated cost: US$ 3.2 million; estimated construction start: June 2009)
Kaumuali‘i Highway Widening, Vicinity of Anonui Street to Vicinity of Līhu‘e Mill Bridge (estimated cost: US$ 70.2 million; estimated construction start: February 2010)
Moloka‘i - US$ 26 million (35 projects)
Kalaupapa Settlement Phase 2 Harbor Facility Repairs and Improvements (estimated cost: US$ 925000; estimated construction start: December 2008)
Kalaupapa Settlement Nursing Facility (Building 141), Various Improvements (estimated cost: US$ 405000; estimated construction start: April 2009)
Moloka‘i Airport Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) Station Improvements (estimated cost: US$ 6.3 million; estimated construction start: June 2009)
Kaunakakai Harbor Ferry, Moloka‘i, Ferry System Improvements (estimated cost: US$ 6.4 million; estimated construction start: December 2010)
Lāna‘i - US$ 9.3 million (18 projects)
Lāna‘i Airport General Aviation Apron (estimated cost: US$ 6.3 million; estimated construction start: December 2008)
Pu‘u Kilea Radio Facility, Building Addition and Other Improvements, Information and Communication Services Division (estimated cost: US$ 1.17 million; estimated construction start: February 2009)
