Hawaii House Bill HB1238

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/25
• Refer: 1/27/25

Caption

Relating To Manele Small Boat Harbor.

Impact

To facilitate necessary repairs and improvements, HB1238 appropriates funding of $2,500,000 for fiscal year 2025-2026. This funding will support a structural engineering analysis to assess the integrity of the harbor’s infrastructure. The bill also covers costs related to the planning, design, and construction of repairs, particularly focusing on the water line system and the reopening of a key roadway that has been closed. This financial commitment underscores the state's responsibility to ensure vital public infrastructure is maintained and enhanced for the safety and accessibility of residents.

Summary

House Bill 1238, titled 'Relating to Manele Small Boat Harbor,' is focused on addressing critical infrastructure needs at the only small boat harbor on the island of Lanai, Hawaii. The harbor plays a crucial role as it is the only point of connection between Lanai and Maui for residents. This bill recognizes the harbor's importance in providing access to essential resources, such as health care and government services, for the island's population. The need for improvements has become even more pressing due to ongoing environmental issues, including water main breaks and climate-related impacts affecting the harbor's infrastructure.

Contention

While the bill is largely seen as a necessary step towards enhancing public safety and improving transport routes for Lanai residents, discussions surrounding such funding often lead to debates over budget priorities and resource allocation. There may be concerns from some community members regarding the overall effectiveness of the planned repairs, especially given past grievances with infrastructure management. Legislative discussions could also highlight the balance between immediate local infrastructure needs and broader state funding projects.