State Sen. Joy San Buenaventura announced Tuesday that more than $12 million in capital improvement project funding was secured for her Puna and east Ka‘u district to address several needs.
House Bill 200, the state budget bill, was unanimously approved April 19 by a Senate and House conference committee and includes:
• $10 million in fiscal year 2022 for the design, plan and construction of a new library in upper Puna. This is in addition to plans for a library in lower Puna.
• $1.3 million to reinstall a right-turn on red from Shower Drive to Highway 130 that was removed to allow a left turn lane from Highway 130 onto Shower Drive.
• $1.23 million to improve facilities and other infrastructure at Mountain View Elementary School.
• $250,000 to install split air-conditioning units and other ventilation improvements at Keaau Middle School.
• $20.5 million for a statewide cell system allowing broadband access through state highways. Installation will include in-field devices, associated software and smartphone application.
“These CIP monies will go a long way in helping to improve the quality of life for residents in my district,” said San Buenaventura in a statement.