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The Maui News
State Sen. Angus McKelvey, who represents District 6 of West Maui, Ma'alaea, Waikapu, and South Maui, announced that nearly $80 million in capital improvement project funds for the district are in the final version of this year's state budget.
Some of the highlights for District 6 include monies for teacher housing, flood mitigation measures for South Maui, funds for West Maui's small boat harbors and ramps, and essential upgrades for district schools, a news release said.
"I am happy to announce that the Senate secured $45 million for teacher housing which will be conveniently located near existing schools in South Maui," McKelvey said, noting the facility will also include necessary space to expand the state's universal pre-kindergarten program.
Because the funds will be used to convert existing hotel rooms into apartments, they should be able to come online faster compared to building such housing from the ground up, he said.
"In my meetings with school principals prior to this year's legislative session, the recurring concern from each administrator was that teacher housing was essential to fully staffing our schools, and teachers have been priced out of housing repeatedly leaving our schools understaffed and our children without teachers," McKelvey said. "This project will go a long way in fixing this critical problem."
McKelvey said $4 million will be allotted for critical pier repairs, lighting, and other work at Lahaina Harbor, while Mala Ramp will receive $3.2 million for "much-needed upgrades and improvements."
The final budget also contains over a million dollars to begin the process of implementing flood control measures and other efforts to rehabilitate the Waipuilani Gulch and Kulanihakoi Gulch systems.
"Recent events have only underscored the critical need for us to collectively address flood mitigation in South Maui," McKelvey said.
He added, however, "these monies are contingent on the county matching the state funding."
The first-term Senator cited that certain funds have been outlined in the budget as capitol improvement projects while other monies will be included in lump-sum funding and operational budgets for state departments.
The final version of the state budget bill was approved last week by Senate and House conferees and is heading to the floor of both chambers this week for a final vote before being transmitted to Gov. Josh Green for consideration.