The list below provides information and financial disclosures for Community Project Funding requests for Fiscal Year 2025. For information and disclosures on Fiscal Year 2024 Community Project Funding requests, please see here.
Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration
Project Title: Haiku Fire Station Construction
Project Recipient: County of Maui
Recipient Address: 200 South High Street, Wailuku, Hawai‘i 96793
Amount Requested: $10,000,000
Project Description: Requested funds would be used to support construction of a new fire station on land owned by the County of Maui to ensure fire prevention, suppression, and protection services for a growing population in the Paia-Haiku communities.
Explanation of Taxpayer Value: This new fire station would improve the effectiveness of deployed emergency vehicles and reduce response times to support communities that have long experienced access constraints and have predominantly wooden structures. The current closest fire stations are about six and eight miles away from the project site, and both are undersized to meet the increasing fire protection needs of rural communities that continue to grow in population. This project will also alleviate response demands on nearby fire stations, allowing them to stay focused on their primary coverage areas.
Financial Disclosure and Federal Nexus Certification Letter
Project Title: Ko‘olauloa Health Center Expansion
Project Recipient: Ko‘olauloa Health Center
Recipient Address: 56-119 Pualalea Street, Kahuku, Hawai‘i 96731
Amount Requested: $750,000
Project Description: This project would support capital improvements to Ko‘olauloa Health Center’s (KHC) newest location in the Hau‘ula-Punalu‘u area to meet the growing healthcare needs of patients living along the northwestern coastline of O‘ahu. The requested funds will be used to renovate a recently acquired facility into a new health center, converting office spaces into clinical exam rooms, purchasing equipment, and updating other portions of the facility to allow KHC to expand its ability to provide quality primary medical, dental, behavioral, and pharmacy services.
Explanation of Taxpayer Value: This project would help expand access to medical services in the Hau‘ula-Punalu‘u community, a rural town on the island of O‘ahu with a population of roughly 5,000 people. KHC has a record of successfully using federal grant awards to complete other health clinic facilities construction projects at its Kahuku location. This prior experience in managing and expanding their healthcare facility demonstrates their capability to successfully execute similar projects.
Financial Disclosure and Federal Nexus Certification Letter
Project Title: Lana‘i Community Health Center Facilities Expansion
Project Recipient: Lana‘i Community Health Center
Recipient Address: 333 Sixth Street, Lāna‘i City, Hawai‘i 96763
Amount Requested: $2,500,000
Project Description: This project supports facilities renovations, medical equipment purchases, health information technology upgrades, and other capital needs for Lāna‘i Community Health Center. The Center’s current 6,800-square-foot certified healthcare facility was completed in February 2016; however, despite efforts to optimize existing space, increasing demand for comprehensive, full-service, integrated health care on the island has rendered the current facility insufficient.
Explanation of Taxpayer Value: This project would enable the Center to expand access to specialty services such as behavioral health, obstetric and gynecological, optometric, and dental care. The project would also support ongoing work to improve the facility and streamline operations to enhance healthcare delivery for patients living on Lāna‘i.
Financial Disclosure and Federal Nexus Certification Letter
Project Title: Wai‘anae Community Food Distribution Center Construction
Project Recipient: Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center
Recipient Address: 86-260 Farrington Highway, Wai‘anae, Hawai‘i 96792
Amount Requested: $5,411,250
Project Description: The project supports the construction of a food distribution warehouse that will be located adjacent to Wai‘anae Coast Comprehensive Health Center’s (WCCHC) medical facilities and training center.
Explanation of Taxpayer Value: The warehouse will be part of WCCHC’s larger Food and Social Services campus, which itself will include multiple buildings all focused on addressing the fundamental social needs of the predominantly Native Hawaiian population living on the western coast of O‘ahu. Building this food warehouse allows WCCHC to build upon its successful feeding programs to support food access, community wellness, and food as medicine, and this project ensures such programs and services are centralized in the community.
Financial Disclosure and Federal Nexus Certification Letter
Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies
Project Title: Public Safety and Emergency First Responder Communications Resiliency Upgrade for West Maui
Project Recipient: Maui Police Department
Recipient Address: 55 Mahalani Street, Wailuku, Hawai‘i 96793
Amount Requested: $450,000
Project Description: This project supports the procurement and installation of microwave radio links and Multiple Protocol Labeling System networking equipment at Maui County’s Waiakekua site and the Lahaina Luna Water Treatment Plant to create an alternative communications route to West Maui for law enforcement and first responders.
Explanation of Taxpayer Value: This project would ensure that law enforcement, first responders, and other agencies have redundant and resilient communications networks to depend on in the event of future emergencies in West Maui. This will help them better fulfill their mission to protect lives and property in those communities.
Financial Disclosure and Federal Nexus Certification Letter
Homeland Security
Project Title: Wildfire Prevention and Mitigation Planning and Outreach
Project Recipient: Department of Hawaiian Home Lands
Recipient Address: 91-5420 Kapolei Parkway, Kapolei, Hawai‘i 96707
Amount Requested: $2,200,000
Project Description: This project supports development of wildfire management plans for communities across the State of Hawai‘i to improve wildfire prevention and mitigation efforts. The project would engage federal, state, and local officials alongside community members to develop separate wildfire management plans for each island. Each plan would include mitigation strategies, evacuation routes, and needed investments to develop and maintain wildfire prevention measures. The project would also include community outreach and engagement to build capacity and expertise in wildfire management and response.
Explanation of Taxpayer Value: This project would enhance wildfire prevention and mitigation efforts in DHHL lands across the State of Hawai‘i, improve efforts to protect lives and property, and strengthen community engagement and capacity to address the growing threat of wildfires. Over time, this will prevent and reduce costs imposed by wildfire response and recovery efforts.
Financial Disclosure and Federal Nexus Certification Letter
Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies
Project Title: Deep Monitor Well in Launiupoko, Maui
Project Recipient: Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, Commission on Water Resource Management
Recipient Address: 1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 227, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96813
Amount Requested: $2,000,000
Project Description: The project would support the construction of a new deep monitor well in Launiupoko, Maui, to help monitor the health of the drinking water aquifer and assess the amount of drinking water available. This well would allow the State of Hawai‘i and communities to better plan for water shortages and drought, which continues to be a challenge faced by West Maui communities.
Explanation of Taxpayer Value: This project would improve water quality monitoring and help local communities manage water resources. The Launiupoko deep monitor well would help better protect and maintain West Maui’s limited drinking water supplies and provide critical data for long-term water resource management.
Financial Disclosure and Federal Nexus Certification Letter
Project Title: Lahaina Water Infrastructure Resiliency and Hardening
Project Recipient: County of Maui, Department of Water Supply
Recipient Address: 200 South High Street, Kalana O Maui Building 5th Floor, Wailuku, Hawai‘i 96793
Amount Requested: $2,500,000
Project Description: The project would rehabilitate the raw and finished waterlines at the Lahaina Water Treatment Plant, modernize its source wells, and create a water storage backup for Lahaina’s water supply.
Explanation of Taxpayer Value: The project would build resilience into Lahaina’s water infrastructure that is central to the rebuilding and long-term stability of the community following last August’s deadly wildfires. This investment will address severe vulnerabilities within the water system to prevent failures that could hamper recovery efforts and the long-term public health of the community. Following the wildfires, the Maui Department of Water Supply found deficiencies in Lahaina’s current water supply infrastructure that could trigger water shutoffs if they were to fail. With the County’s resources strained because of the fires’ secondary impacts on its economy, decisive federal investment in this project is critical to its timely implementation.
Financial Disclosure and Federal Nexus Certification Letter
Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies
Project Title: Aquaculture Development Accelerator at the Wailoa Station
Project Recipient: State of Hawai‘i, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources
Recipient Address: 1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 330, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96813
Amount Requested: $925,000
Project Description: This project would develop the Wailoa Station into an aquaculture development accelerator that will amplify the State of Hawai‘i’s investment in aquaculture research and development.
Explanation of Taxpayer Value: The project would help revitalize Hawai‘i’s near-shore and aquaculture industry, which would benefit the local economy. Fish and crustations are one of Hawai‘i’s largest exports. However, increased demand for premium Hawai‘i seafood locally and around the world has significantly strained Hawai‘i’s near-shore and deep-water fisheries. This project will help restock local near-shore fisheries for the economic benefit of residents, ease the strain on local fisheries, and provide a base to revitalize and expand Hawai‘i’s aquaculture industry.
Financial Disclosure and Federal Nexus Certification Letter
Project Title: Hydrogen Bus Maintenance and Training Hub
Project Recipient: County of Hawai‘i
Recipient Address: 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 1301, Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720
Amount Requested: $10,305,000
Project Description: The project would construct a maintenance, training, and fuel hub for Hawai‘i Island’s all-battery electric and fuel-cell electric bus fleet.
Explanation of Taxpayer Value: The project would facilitate the transition of Hawai‘i Island’s bus transportation fleet to an all-battery electric and fuel-cell electric fleet. The maintenance and training hub project is needed to transition the Hawai‘i Island’s bus fleet to zero-emissions vehicles and develop a workforce to sustain this fleet. Furthermore, eliminating carbon exhaust from buses throughout the island will improve air quality for the island’s residents and visitors. The project would increase the resiliency of the island’s bus fleet by developing a second service and maintenance facility on the 4000-square-mile island, which could result in long-term taxpayer savings.
Financial Disclosure and Federal Nexus Certification Letter
Project Title: Kilohana Community Center Energy Efficiency and Resiliency Upgrade
Project Recipient: County of Maui
Recipient Address: 200 South High Street, Wailuku, Hawai‘i 96793
Amount Requested: $500,000
Project Description: The project would enhance energy efficiency and resiliency for the Kilohana Recreation Center in East Moloka‘i through the placement of photovoltaic cells and water catchments.
Explanation of Taxpayer Value: The project would be a valuable use of taxpayer funds because it will build resiliency in Kilohana Recreation Center. The Kamehameha V Highway runs along the southern coast of Moloka‘i and is prone to flooding during rainstorms, king tides, and other extreme weather events. For the community of Ualapu‘e and those living along the highway to the east, the Kilohana Community Center is one of a few public gathering areas. Investing in the hardening and energy efficiency of this center will both lower the operating costs for the county and provide a more resilient facility that can function as a shelter in times of disaster.
Financial Disclosure and Federal Nexus Certification Letter
Project Title: Lāna‘i Affordable Housing Project
Project Recipient: County of Maui
Recipient Address: 200 South High Street, Wailuku, Hawai‘i 96793
Amount Requested: $7,100,000
Project Description: The project will support infrastructure improvements for water and sewer networks necessary for the construction of a 372-unit housing subdivision for residents on the island of Lāna‘i.
Explanation of Taxpayer Value: Housing affordability is a problem throughout the County of Maui, and Lānaʻi is no exception. Shortages of reasonably priced houses contribute to high rates of crowding and lower homeownership rates. The Lānaʻi Affordable Housing Project will seek to close this gap in and address the growing need for affordable, available housing units. The requested funds would cover the development of water and sewer networks for a subdivision that will include 199 affordable housing lots and 173 affordable multi-family rental and for-sale units.
Financial Disclosure and Federal Nexus Certification Letter
Project Title: Lima Ola Affordable Housing Project
Project Recipient: County of Kaua‘i
Recipient Address: 4444 Rice Street, Suite 330, Līhu‘e, Hawai‘i 96766
Amount Requested: $7,800,000
Project Description: The funding would cover infrastructure costs, including roads, electrical grid, and water infrastructure, necessary to complete the final two phases of a 75-acre County-owned, master planned 600-unit affordable housing subdivision. This project is the County’s flagship effort to address the housing needs of residents on the island of Kaua‘i.
Explanation of Taxpayer Value: This project would support the County of Kaua‘i as it takes on an active role in developing and building a growing pool of permanently affordable housing for residents. When completed, the Lima Ola subdivision will meet these growing needs by offering units for homeless individuals and those at imminent risk of homelessness, low-income and senior rental units, and multi-family and single-family housing units.
Financial Disclosure and Federal Nexus Certification Letter
Project Title: Renovation of Wastewater Treatment Plant at the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport
Project Recipient: Hawai‘i Department of Transportation, Airports Division
Recipient Address: 400 Rodgers Boulevard, Suite 700, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96819
Amount Requested: $3,448,000
Project Description: This project will renovate and modernize the wastewater treatment plant at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole. This project will convert the existing decant tank at the facility to a secondary clarifier to allow for the continued operation of the wastewater treatment plant so that the existing secondary clarifier can be replaced and modernized. In addition to repairing the existing facilities, it will provide redundancy in case of system failures or maintenance.
Explanation of Taxpayer Value: The project would be a valuable use of taxpayer funds because the quarter-century-old facility is showing signs of deterioration, and failure would significantly impact the airport’s operation. It is also critical to provide redundancy for current systems to prevent and mitigate adverse impacts. Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport is the third-largest airport by passenger volume in the State of Hawai‘i and the largest airport on Hawai‘i Island. Ensuring the continued operations of this facility is critical to the state’s economy and residents’ quality of life.
Financial Disclosure and Federal Nexus Certification Letter
Project Title: Tropical AgTech Center Project
Project Recipient: Hawai‘i Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, Foreign-Trade Zone
Recipient Address: 250 South Hotel Street, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96813
Amount Requested: $6,069,935
Project Description: The funding would build warehouses, collaborative space, and greenhouses at a new Tropical AgTech Center in Hilo to train the next generation of Hawai‘i Island farmers and develop solutions for Hawai‘i’s unique agricultural industry.
Explanation of Taxpayer Value: This project would support emerging small, diversified farms in East Hawai‘i Island as local agriculture faces growing challenges to remain profitable due to increases in input, transportation, and labor costs. This facility is aligned with the State of Hawai‘i’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy and would enable the state to invest in Hawai‘i’s agricultural producers, diversify its economy, and increase job opportunities for future generations.
Financial Disclosure and Federal Nexus Certification Letter