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Kahulawē Island Reserve Commission seeks CIP to build Keāhi community center, boathouse and generate local revenue
Summary
Kahulawē Island Reserve Commission requested capital funding to finish permit drawings and construct a small community education center, expand a boathouse and add visitor amenities near Kihei small boat harbor to generate operating revenue for island stewardship.
The Kahulawē Island Reserve Commission asked the House Finance Committee for capital support to complete a community education and visitor hub on Maui that would consolidate its dispersed operations and generate revenue for island stewardship and restoration.
Why it matters: Kahulawē operates restoration and unexploded ordnance work on former military lands and currently maintains a small office and exhibits but lacks a consolidated base that can host visitors, education and fee‑based services that would allow the commission to generate sustainable operating revenue.
What the commission proposed: Executive Director Mike Lahope said Kahulawē does not seek operating money this year but wants $4.25 million in CIP for a second construction phase at its 8‑acre baseyard near Kihei Small Boat Harbor. Lahope said the plan would consolidate staff and exhibits, expand the boathouse and add a pavilion and bathrooms. The commission expects to charge modest fees and offer museum admission and related services; Lahope estimated the site could generate about $1.2 million annually from visitors and concessions under a conservative operating scenario.
Support and partnerships: The commission described partnerships with Maui Ocean Center (exhibit space), and the plan includes programming for indigenous resource management and veteran and community workforce training associated with removal of ordnance and restoration work.
Next steps: The commission said it will continue permitting and construction drawings and requested the committee’s consideration for CIP funding to move from design to construction and to begin generating earned revenue that could reduce future requests for state operating support.
