Hawaii State Legislature
State Capitol
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Contact: Chris Martelles (808) 587-7225

PRESS RELEASE
April 13, 2004

Budget Bills Clears Conference:
Brings Benefits to Rural Maui County

The budget bills for capital improvement projects and health and human services throughout the state cleared a vital hurdle in the legislative process when they passed from conference committee late last night. Particular attention was given to rural services and funding under House Bill 1800 HD1, SB1, CD1 and House Bill 2796 HD1, SD2, CD1.

While urban O'ahu represents a majority of the State's population, there are unique unmet needs and public interests located in diverse geographic locations across the islands. The 6th Senatorial District (Hana, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka'i, Lana'i & Kaho'olawe) has an especially high number of residents living in rural areas, and stands to benefit greatly from the conference version of the budget bills.

Senator J. Kalani English, who represents the 6th District, has been working closely with his colleagues to provide funding for the great backlog of projects and services desperately needed by rural residents in Maui County. Senator English said, "I am pleased that my colleagues have recognized the challenges particular to my district. In many instances our rural residents have to travel great distances to reach adequate educational and medical services. I am committed to changing this trend and to providing them with the local infrastructure and services that other residents in Hawai'i enjoy."

Listed below is a sampling of the projects and services provided for the 6th Senatorial District under the conference position. The proposed budget items, while still subject to approval by the Governor, remain vital for Maui County residents.

Education:

• $2,000,000 for a six classroom building at Hana High and Elementary School.
• $300,000 for electrical upgrades for Lana'i High and Elementary School.
• $30,000 for the Hui Malama Learning Center to provide alternative education services for Maui's at-risk youth.
• $1.1 million for University of Hawai'i's co-operative extension programs on Moloka'i.

Health Services and Medical Infrastructure Improvements:

• $16.25 million for the construction and operation of the Kulamalu long-term care facility on Maui.
• $433,000 for a fire sprinkler system at Kula Hospital.
• $280,000 for the correction of ADA deficiencies at Kula Hospital.
• $250,000 for a nutrition training center building at the Hana Community Health Center.
• $750,000 for the Hana Community Health Center for operational expenses.
• $500,000 for behavioral health services at Hana High and Elementary School.
• $90,000 for Hale Maha'olu's personal care program for disabled or chronically ill frail adults and elders residing in Maui County.
• $150,000 for the Domestic Violence Clearinghouse and Legal Hotline for Maui program services.
• $750,000 in operating funds for the Moloka'i General Hospital.
• $320,000 for redevelopment and renovations at the Moloka'i General Hospital.

Transportation Services and Infrastructure Improvements:

• $37.5 million for the Pa'ia Bypass Highway.
• $1.35 million for improvements to the Hana Wharf and Small Boat Harbor.
• $50,000 for Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc. and its night transportation for dialysis treatment programs in Maui County.
• $905,000 for widening of the Haleakala Highway.
• $300,000 for ARFF Station improvements to the Moloka'i Airport.
• $150,000 for ARFF Station improvements to the Lana'i Airport.

Housing:

• $1,000,000 for Maui Economic Opportunity for their Transitional Housing Services
• $100,000 to the Self-Help Housing Corporation of Hawai'i for self-help housing technical services to assist low and very -low income families to build and own their own homes.

Land Conservation and Irrigation:

• $300,000 for the Trust for Public Land to acquire 70 acres of land at Mu'ole'a Point in Hana, Maui.
• $250,000 for improvements to the Moloka'i Irrigation System.
• $3 million in state funds and $3.25 million in matching federal funds for the upcountry dual water line.

As the conference committee process swings into full gear, both the Senate and the House have already made a significant step by agreeing on budget items. Senator English said, "The funding allocated for rural services under the conference budget version is neither excessive nor extravagant, but simply necessary. I am pleased that my colleagues in the Senate and House have recognized what a dramatic positive difference this funding will make. I am hopeful that the Governor will understand the importance of these funds and approve the budget the Legislature has agreed upon." For those living in rural communities in Maui County, their quality of life and access to important services, relies on the Governor's willingness to sign-off on the proposed budget and later release these funds.

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