The House of Representative wrapped up their 2018 legislative session last week, passing bills to address homeless support, emergency services and family protection that will benefit Hawai‘i Island.

Lawmakers passed more than $256.5 million in Capital Improvement Project (CIP) funds for Fiscal Year 2019 for various projects in Hawai‘i County. CIPs include renovations, repairs, major maintenance to existing facilities, landscape improvements, new construction, land acquisition and utility modifications.

The notable CIP funds for Hawaiʻi County include:

$4.9 million for improvements and upgrades to the Seawater System at the Hawaiʻi Ocean Science and Technology Park;

$1.7 million for construction and equipment for a new combined support maintenance shop complex for the Hawaiʻi Army National Guard;

$2.9 million for a playcourt/assembly area and site improvements at Kohala Middle School;

$2.4 million for a multi-purpose building at Ha‘aheo Elementary School;

$2 million for a covered play court at Kalanianaole Elementary and Intermediate School;

$3.7 million for a covered play court at Kapiolani Elementary School;

$1 million to resurface the parking lot at Kea‘au Middle School;

$1 million for a covered walkway at Keaukaha Elementary School;

$2 million to renovate restrooms at Konawaena High School;

$575,000 to repave sections of the campus at Na‘alehu Elementary School;

$760,000 for drainage improvements at Mountain View Elementary School;

$1 million for a covered walkway at Pāhoa High and Intermediate School;

$1.5 million for a parking lot and drop-off area at Waimea Elementary and Middle School;

$1.6 million for land acquisition for a parking lot at Waimea Elementary School;

$1.9 million for land acquisition for a public library in Waikoloa;

$600,000 for land acquisition, design and construction for the Kailapa Community Resource Center;

$11 million for land acquisition, design and construction for a multi-purpose processing facility for Workforce Development;

$6.2 million for aircraft aprons, runway lighting, and noise monitoring system upgrade at Hilo International Airport;

$88.4 million for a new agriculture inspection station, an aircraft rescue and fire fighting command center, an emergency generator, airport restrooms, an administrative office building and renovation of the existing building, and a federal inspection station at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport;

$1 million for security and storage improvements at ‘Upolu Airport;

$42.4 million for rockfall and slope protection, and bridge replacement or repairs on the Hawai‘i Belt Road;

$3.7 million for a runaway truck ramp, and bridge replacement on Kawaihae Road;

$40 million for highway widening projects on Kea‘au-Pahoa Road;

$1 million for widening projects on Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway;

$2 million for Kapehu Bridge replacement on Hawai‘i Belt Road;

$3.5 million for plans and design for phase II and III of the Hale‘olelo Complex for Ka Haka ‘Ula O Ke‘eikōlani College of Hawaiian Language, and energy efficient air conditioning at the the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo;

$1.1 million for an outdoor learning and dining area at Hawaiʻi Community College-Palamanui.

Hawaiʻi lawmakers also approved $2.6 million in Operating Grants-In-Aid projects for Hawai‘i Island nonprofit organizations. These grants are provided to local organizations serving the public and working to improve the state of Hawai‘i.

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Important bills that will benefit Hawaiʻi Island residents this session include:

Emergency services – HB1900 HD1 SD1 CD1

The state budget includes $4.5 million for three new ambulances and staff on Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i Island and O‘ahu.

Lifeguard Services – HB2097 HD1 SD2 CD1

Requires Attorney General to defend any civil action against the county to provide lifeguard services at a designated state beach park;

Appropriates funds to the Department of Land and Natural Resources to contract with the counties for county lifeguard services at designated state beach parks under an agreement between the state and a county.

Economy – SB3058 SD2 HD2 CD1

Defines the Hilo community economic district and initiates redevelopment.

Pesticides – SB 3095 SD1 HD1

Prohibits the application of restricted use pesticides within 100 feet of a school during school hours;

Prohibits the use of pesticides containing chlorpyrifos as an active ingredient beginning Jan. 1, 2019;

Allows exemptions.

Child Welfare – HB2277 HD1 SD2 CD1

Establishes the East Hawai‘i Child Welfare Services Section Pilot Project within the Department of Human Services to increase staff and reduce caseloads in the East Hawai‘i Child Welfare Services Section.

Homeless – SB 2401 SD2 HD1 CD1; SB 2027 SD2 HD1 CD1

$30 million for ‘Ohana Zones on three O‘ahu sites, and one each on Kaua‘i, Maui and Hawai‘i Island. Public lands will be selected by the Governor for the zones;

$1 million for an Emergency Department Assessment pilot program;

$1 million for a Medical Respite Pilot Program;

$800,000 for a new Family Assessment Center;

$400,000 for two new Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) programs on Maui and Hawai‘i Island;

1.5 million for a Coordinated Statewide Homeless Initiative.

Cesspools – SB2567 SD2 HD2 CD1

Establishes a Cesspool Working Group to develop a comprehensive plan for the conversion of all statewide cesspools by 2050.

Restraining Orders – HB1614 HD1 SD1 CD1

For parties filing for annulment, divorce, or separation, preserves the financial assets of the parties and maintains the current island of residence and school of enrollment of a minor child of the parties.

See all bills passed during this yearʻs legislative session.

Hawai‘i County representatives and contact information: