Governor David Ige speaking to the audience during the Mauka Concourse groundbreaking ceremony
In recent months, Governor Ige and several state agencies have announced major construction projects as well as continuing to build more housing to meet pent-up demand. “We’ve made strategic decisions at a time when the construction industry is slowing,” said the governor. “Transportation and education capital projects totaled $355 million during the first four months of 2018, and there’s more to come.” The projects include:
• A new mauka concourse at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport – The facility will deliver additional gate capacity to handle larger aircraft and 260,000 square feet of environmentally friendly space to enhance the overall passenger experience.
• A permanent federal inspection station at the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport – The project, funded with revenue bonds, is planned to begin in early 2019 and will help boost the Hawai‘i island economy with international visitors It also increases the state’s safety and security by providing a second entry point for transport of goods and passengers.
• A safer, more secure Hawai‘i State Hospital facility – Construction of the new 144-bed facility, expected to start this year, will replace a 70-year-old structure, address overcrowding and improve patient care. The facility is designed to better monitor patients and represents a major step forward in treating those who are court-ordered for treatment as well as creating a better environment for patients and staff. The governor made fast-tracking the new facility one of his top priorities.