Proposed budget includes $64M for West Hawaii roads – Hawaii Tribune-Herald

Hawaii County’s proposed capital enchancment price range contains greater than $64 million to revamp two closely used roads in West Hawaii.

Mayor Mitch Roth’s proposed CIP price range for fiscal 12 months 2022-23 as at the moment amended would allocate for repaving and rehabilitation some $42 million for Waikoloa Street in South Kohala and $22 million for Hina Lani Road in Kailua-Kona. Invoice 126, draft 2, is about for its second studying on Thursday throughout a particular assembly of the Hawaii County Council.

The 12-mile Waikoloa Street rehabilitation challenge is estimated to price $42 million, of which $8.4 million could be allotted by the county’s with the remaining $33.6 million coming from the federal authorities. That may be a price of $3.5 million per mile.

Kohala Councilman Tim Richards stated the “want for this challenge is with out query,” significantly within the wake of the state shelving plans to increase Daniel Ok. Inouye Freeway from its terminus at Mamalahoa Freeway to Queen Kaahumanu Freeway.

”The street was by no means initially constructed to deal with the quantity of site visitors that it does as we speak,” he stated. “Had the Daniel Ok. Inouye extension gone by, the site visitors quantity would have been decreased, however at the moment, Waikoloa Street is the connector between East and West Hawaii.”

Richards stated the important challenge had been scheduled for 2023, nonetheless, the challenge was moved up in precedence after working with the state Division of Transportation and Hawaii County Division of Public Works.

“I used to be capable of get it moved as much as second quarter 2022, which is correct now. Funding was the priority, however once more, working with our Finance Division and State DOT, we have been capable of safe the County match and the State STIP funds. My expectation is the challenge will exit to bid very shortly,” he stated.

The three.65-mile Hina Lani Road rehabilitation challenge is estimated to price $22 million, with $17.6 million coming from the federal authorities and the remaining $4.4 million contributed from the county.

“This can be a a lot wanted challenge for West Hawaii,” stated North Kona Councilman Holeka Inaba, whose district contains Hina Lani.

The fee per mile for the Hina Lani challenge is sort of double that of Waikoloa Street at $6 million.

Division of Public Works spokesperson Sherise Kanae-Kane stated the distinction in price per mile is because of the truth that the Hina Lani challenge contains drainage work, whereas Waikoloa Street doesn’t.

“The county is constant to work with HDOT to safe funding for these two essential initiatives. Inserting them on the FY2022 STIP checklist signifies the County’s want to maneuver ahead with each initiatives,” she stated.