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Lawmakers OK nearly $370 million for CIP projects across Maui County

Work continues on the $340 million Kahului Airport consolidated rental car facility. State Department of Transportation spokesman Tim Sakahara reported that the project is a little more than 70 percent complete. Building construction is expected to be substantially complete by the end of this year, and the facility’s opening is set for the spring of 2019, after rental car companies have made tenant improvements. Separately, state lawmakers approved $24.5 million this year for Kahului Airport improvements to its terminals, baggage handling system and an environmental impact statement. -- The Maui News / MATTHEW THAYER photo

Lawmakers approved more than $368 million in capital improvement projects across Maui County, including over $50 million for Lanai and Kahului airports, according to the state House of Representatives.

Lawmakers secured $28.8 million for renovations and runway reconstruction for the Pineapple Isle’s only airport. The Legislature adjourned last month and approved the budget that runs from July 1 to June 30, 2019.

Maui Airports District Manager Marvin Moniz said earlier this month that Lanai’s money will go toward repaving the island’s aging runway and main road leading into the main terminal. The funds will improve the airport’s parking lot and lighting as well.

“That’s the biggest money I’ve seen for Lanai since I’ve been here,” Moniz said.

The money also may be used to build new restrooms within the holding area after passenger security inspections, Moniz said.

For Kahului Airport, $24.5 million is slated for improvements to the terminal, baggage handling system and an environmental impact statement.

Moniz said the state plans to add a sixth inbound carousel in the baggage claim area and rebuild two of its oldest carousels, which are around 20 years old. He also is looking at upgrading the hold rooms on the south side of the terminal.

Other money for Maui County airports include: $1.5 million for baseyard building renovations at Hana Airport; $1.5 million for a water tank and other improvements at Kapalua Airport; $6.2 million for terminal improvements at Molokai Airport; and $4.5 million for a new aircraft rescue and firefighting garage and other improvements at Kalaupapa Airport.

The small airport that serves the Kalaupapa settlement and visitors made national headlines in December 2013 when state Health Director Loretta Fuddy died after her flight crashed into the ocean after takeoff from the airport.

Moniz said he believes the funding for Kalaupapa will aid the area that has seen an increase in visitors. Currently, the park, which includes the Hansen’s disease settlement, is designated as a national historical park.

“I think they’re trying to get ahead of the game because it wasn’t required to have it back in day,” Moniz said of the aircraft rescue and firefighting garage.

Highlights of other Maui County items include:

• $34.6 million land acquisition and improvements at Kahului Harbor.

• $14.5 million to acquire land for the Kula Forest Reserve.

• $9.3 million for sand replenishment at Kaanapali Beach.

• $9.2 million for bridge preservation, road repairs and rockfall mitigation on Hana Highway.

• $7.5 million for widening and realignment of Honoapiilani Highway.

• $6 million for repairs and upgrades for Maui Health System.

• $4.1 million for a covered play court at Kalama Intermediate School.

• $4 million to build a sidewalk along Old Haleakala Highway.

• $4 million for development of a Moloka’i Veterans Center.

• $3.75 million for traffic improvements on the Paia bypass route.

• $3.5 million for a water pump and site improvements for the Upcountry Maui Agricultural Park.

• $3 million for water systems in East Maui.

• $3 million for intersection improvements on Puunene Avenue.

• $2.8 million for weight training and wrestling facilities at Maui High School.

• $2.5 million for portable trailer office and classroom at Kula Elementary School.

• $2.1 million for a floating pier at Lahaina Small Boat Harbor.

• $2 million for a new classroom building at Paia Elementary School.

• $1.5 million for forest restoration on Kahoolawe Island.

• $1 million for a ramp and covered walkway at Pukalani Elementary School.

• $1 million for permanent supportive housing for Ka Hale Ke Ola Homeless Resource Centers Inc.

• $800,000 for expansion to address the growing population at Haiku Elementary School.

• $600,000 for a play court at Makawao Elementary School.

• $200,000 for security cameras at Iao Intermediate School.

• $20,000 for a new flag pole at Hana High and Elementary School.

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