Video by David Corrigan | Voice of Stephanie Salazar

After months of wrangling and delays, a proposed $56 million bond authorization may be close to reality.

The bill was already passed by the council, however a motion to reconsider the matter was delayed in order to hold a public hearing. During that public hearing on Tuesday evening, the administration revealed a list of amendments that will likely ensure the bill’s passage.

The amendments address many of the concerns cited by the councilmembers who had been weary of the bond sale. Now, the projects will be specifically tied to the bond, something that was missing in the earlier version of the Bill 311.

There are also a few changes to the list of projects. The new list is:

Kawaihae Housing Closure ($1,000,000)
Kaloko Housing Project ($4,000,000)
Pool Drainage Covers ($500,000)
Puna Park – New Park Development ($5,500,000)
Kikala Keokea New Park Development ($100,000)
North Kohala Recreational Facilities Repair and Upgrade ($2,000,000)
Banyan Beach Parking Lot ($300,000)
Kapiolani Street Extension ($8,700,000)
Puna Makai Alternate Roadway ($500,000)
Laaloa Extension ($20,000,000)
Energy Efficiency and Related Maintenance Upgrades ($4,000,000)
Kalanianaole Collector Sewer Phase II ($6,900,000)
Hawaiian Ocean View Estates Solid Waste Transfer & Recycling Station ($3,000,000)
Waimea Recycle and Transfer Station Garage ($100,000)

The public hearing in Hilo drew a small crowd, and almost all the testifiers were representatives of the construction and development industries. All spoke in favor.

The only voice in opposition was Cory Harden, who advised against taking on more debt in this worsening economic climate.