Committee backs $15 million Kanehile community hale project, shifts funding from bonds to general fund

The Committee on Hawaiian Affairs voted to pass Senate Bill 2924 on a recommendation of the chair, adopting amendments that shift the project—unding source from general obligation bonds to the state general fund.

The measure would appropriate $15,000,000 to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands for construction of the Kanehile Community Hale, a new access road and parking at the Kanehile homestead and related community facilities. Chair members said the committee adopted AHL amendments to change the funding structure and the recommendation was adopted in a recorded vote.

Supporters urged swift passage. Randy Acal, introduced himself as president of the Carnegie Community Association and testified in chief support, calling the project "a critical investment in a culture of vitality, educational advancement, and overall well-being of the Carnegie Community beneficiaries." He described planned spaces including a community hall, commercial kitchen, a computer and learning resource room, and youth and workforce programs.

Online testifier Shelby Picacho said they had helped draft aspects of the proposal and raised a question about an earlier $800,000 approval: "we got the 800,000 funds approved, but I didn't see any money come through," Picacho said, asking DHHL and the governor's office for follow-up.

The chair also read additional written testimony in support from community members and organizations. Committee members did not ask follow-up questions during the public-comment period; the decision-making session adopted the chair's recommendation changing the funding source to general funds prior to passage.

The bill now proceeds with the adopted amendments; the committee recorded the vote as adopted with ayes from the Chair, Vice Chair, Sen. Ihara, Sen. Keohokalole and Sen. Cort. The committee adjourned after completing the day genda.