“This (Villages of Leiali‘i) funding has been my number one priority this session, and I thank my colleagues for supporting us in this endeavor,” said Tenth District Rep. Angus McKelvey.

HONOLULU – The State House of Representatives has passed the 2020 budget bill, HB2725 HD1. The supplemental budget contains funding for West Maui projects, including $10 million to advance the Department of Hawaiian Homelands’ Villages of Leiali’i Project, Phases II and III.

Tenth District Rep. Angus McKelvey explained that the measure was part of a package of housing bills designed to invest state resources into affordable housing that cannot be converted to market price homes in the future by outside entities.

“Not only is it the right thing to do, but this is the kind of affordable housing that won’t end up in speculator hands,” McKelvey explained.

The line item calls for plans, designs and construction for Leali’i parkways and highway improvements.

Rep. McKelvey also noted that the budget contains $7.75 million in funding for Lahainaluna High School infrastructure, including much-needed electrical upgrades, lighting, and repairs to the track and stadium grounds.

In addition, $450,000 was included for playfield improvements and repainting portables at Princess Nahi’ena’ena Elementary School.

“Because the DOE saw a necessity in funding these projects I am hopeful that they will, with the support of our Maui Senate colleagues, move quickly through the implementation process within the department itself,” McKelvey said.

The budget bill also includes $3.5 million in construction funds for improvements within M?alaea Harbor and its pier area.

Funding for highways, airports, environmental projects and Maui Community Correctional Center round out the Capital Improvement Projects funding for Maui.

HB2725 HD1 now moves to the Senate for consideration of the House proposals.