2026 Budget Priorities

This year, our priorities include continuing to push for Highway 130 Improvements, Puna Makai Alternate Route, and pursuing solutions to stabilize and lower homeowners insurance rates for lava zones 1 and 2. We are strengthening workforce housing efforts, expanding food security and agricultural infrastructure, supporting small business growth, and ensuring rural communities like Puna receive equitable state resources.

2025 Budget Wins

  • $50,000 for Hawaiian Volcano Education and Resilience Institute to implement community-based disaster preparedness, response and recovery.
  • $100,000 for Aloha Ilio Rescue in response to the overpopulation of dogs on Hawaii Island.
  • $500,000 for the Department of Transportation to expand the Ainaloa Roundabout to relieve traffic congestion and improve safety.
  • $1,000,000 for Pahoa Library & Transit Hub which includes a library with a broad range of community programs and services as well as a mass transit facility.
  • $2,300,000 for Pahoa High & Intermediate School to address plumbing and sewage upgrades.
  • $400,000 for West Hawaii Community Health Center to design a healthcare center in Keaau.
  • $2,000,000 for Pahoa Elementary School to upgrade classrooms and support facilities.

2024 Budget Wins

  • $75,000 for Men of Pa’a to purchase vehicles for their mission to empower and enable Kanaka maoli who seek recovery, restoration, and reconciliation with themselves.

  • $1,200,000 for Pahoa High & Intermediate School to resurface the football field for practice and games.

  • $30,000,000 for the Department of Transportation to widen Highway 130 from Shower to Kaloli Drive from two lanes to four lanes to relieve traffic congestion.

  • $5,400,000 for the Department of Land and Natural Resources to dredge the volcanic debris and restore the Pohoiki Boat Ramp.

2023 Budget Wins

  • $5,400,000 to start dredging at Pohoiki Bay

  • $560,000 towards plans and design for HPP Park

  • $1,200,000 to Pāhoa High & Intermediate School to resurface football field

  • $30,000,000 to widen Keʻaau-Pāhoa Road from Shower to Kaloli Drive

  • $50,000,000 to Hilo Medical Center for construction and equipment for ICU and medical surgical unit expansion

  • $10,000,000 to consolidate current libraries in Keaʻau and Mt. View and create a new library

  • $2,400,000 to Hilo Airport’s terminal and other facility improvements

2022 Budget Wins for Puna

  • $1,500,000 that would fund a study for the best location for Puna Makai Alternate Route
  • $2,000,000 for the design & construction of covered walkways on campus at Pāhoa High & Intermediate School
  • $2,000,000 for filtered air conditioners that improve air quality in classrooms; additional parking; and drainage improvements at Pāhoa Elementary
  • $500,000 for the design and construction of improvements to the girls’ locker room at Pāhoa High & Intermediate School

  • $35,000,000 for the design and construction to widen Highway 130 and add an additional lane from Shower Drive to Kaloli

2021 Budget Wins for Puna

  • $235,000 to complete an environmental assessment and permitting to dredge Pohoiki Bay and reopen Pohoiki Boat Ramp
  • $150,000 to fund a survey to conduct site surveys on the Island of Hawaiʻi for suitable locations to mine black cinder

  • $7,000,000 secured in the State operating budget to continue funding the Hawaii Guard Youth Challenge Academy