Investing in Infrastructure, Strengthening Hawai`i's Economy
Moving forward on the Lingle-Aiona Administration's plans to build a brighter economic future for the State of Hawai`i by investing in infrastructure, Governor Lingle released $9.3 million for improvements to small boat harbors and highway infrastructure across the state.
Governor Lingle this week released $4 million to construct new retaining walls and repair damaged roadway pavement on Kaua`i's Kuhio Highway in the Lumahai and Wainiha areas.
The Governor released $4 million in design and construction funds for improvements to an undeveloped area on the south side of Ke`ehi Small Boat Harbor that will make it suitable for marine and maritime operations and help increase commercial lease revenue for the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ (DLNR) Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation.
"The Recreational Renaissance plan that DNLR introduced this legislative session provided a vision for improving small boat harbors, state parks and trails throughout Hawai`i," said Governor Lingle. "Though the Senate failed to pass this innovative legislation, DLNR continues to move forward with projects like this one, at Ke`ehi Small Boat Harbor, that will help maximize revenues and allow the department to acquire some of the resources needs to upgrade recreational facilities across the state."
Upgrades to the infrastructure at Ke`ehi Small Boat Harbor will include new water, sewer and electrical utilities to the southern end of the harbor, a new bulkhead along the south shoreline adjacent to the Kalihi Channel, as well as roadway and parking improvements.
As part of the $1.8 billion public infrastructure construction plan unveiled by Governor Lingle in December to stimulate the economy and create jobs, the Governor released $1,310,000 to replace the South Punalu‘u Stream Bridge on Kamehameha Highway.
This is one of several "shovel-ready" projects selected in March 2009 to receive federal stimulus funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
Ke`ehi Small Boat Harbor upgrades will include new water, sewer and electrical utilities, as well as roadway and parking improvements.
The South Punalu`u Stream Bridge was built nearly 80 years ago. Its width is below current standards. In addition, the bridge does not meet current vehicular load or seismic requirements. This project will replace the existing bridge with a new, wider bridge that meets present-day design and safety standards.
In addition, the Governor released $4 million to construct new retaining walls and repair damaged roadway pavement on Kuhio Highway in the Lumahai and Wainiha areas on Kaua`i.
This project, also part of the $1.8 billion public infrastructure construction plan, will stabilize the highway by removing sections of the old wall and replace it with new concrete retaining walls, while still retaining the character of the historic Route 560. Project improvements also include reconstructing portions of the highway pavement structure and installing guardrails in compliance with current safety standards.
