Grants in Aid

The state budget approved in May allocates more than $14 billion to state operations and debt service. Each year, a certain amount of bond financing is approved to fund the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and Grants in Aid (GIA). The amount that can be borrowed for these projects is limited by a debt servicing formula.

The 2017 State Budget includes nearly one billion dollars in CIP funding. This money goes to fund roadway projects, airport upgrades, new class rooms and all the other state priorities. A small portion of the CIP budget is allocated each year to support various non-profit organizations.

In the Senate, each member submits a list of priorities for their respective district. I am pleased that all of the priorities submitted by my office were approved. Here is a brief description of the good work these groups are doing for our area residents.

The old plantation housing at Kunia Village is being refurbished and dedicated to affordable housing for agricultural workers. A critical element of this restoration is upgrading the water delivery system. Readers may have read about several failures of the water system in the last couple years and the remarkable response by the Army at Schofield Barracks to deliver water during the emergency. The state is supporting the system upgrade with a $665,000 grant.

Hoola Na Pua’s vision is to provide girls who are rescued or escape from the abuse of sex trafficking with a path to restoration and healing from their trauma, an increased sense of self-worth, and the confidence and ability to successfully reintegrate into their family and the community. The state is supporting their capital campaign to build a safe facility for these girls with a $500,000 GIA.

Named after 15-year-old Bobby Benson, who died in 1984 after a short life troubled by drug abuse, Bobby Benson Center maintains a facility with a licensed 30-bed capacity that includes four separate cottages on a beautiful landscape. This $250,000 GIA will help them construct a new building.

The Koolauloa Health Center offers a wide range of affordable health services in Kahuku and Hauula to many area residents who would not otherwise have access to care. This year, the state will provide $200,000 for upgrades to their facilities.

The KEY Project, the vibrant community center in Kahaluu, will receive $200,000 to support its mission. From keiki to kupuna, they offer activities to enrich life culturally, socially, educationally or economically.

ALEA Bridge aims to break the cycle and reverse the trend of homelessness through collaborative & comprehensive solutions. They focus efforts on Central Oahu and the North Shore and were instrumental in the recent Point in Time Count. They will receive $1 million.