11:15 am | Governor Abercrombie Releases $15.6 Million for Additional CIP Projects

HONOLULU, Hawaii: Continuing to expedite the release of funds for “shovel-ready” Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) mentioned in Monday’s State of the State address, Governor Neil Abercrombie today announced the release of more than $15.6 million for various projects that invest in the state’s public safety, wastewater, civil defense and communications infrastructure.

“Each of these projects represents a long-term investment in our state and its people in the form of maintaining core services, facilities and resources, and generating jobs within our state,” said Governor Abercrombie. “I look forward to continuing to work with state Legislators to identify and expedite similar Capital Improvement Projects in the coming weeks.”

· $6,650,000 – State Department of Public Safety, various facilities statewide – Design, construction and miscellaneous items for repairs and alterations at O’ahu Community Correctional Center, Halawa Correctional Facility, Hawai’i Community Correctional Facility, Kaua’i Community Correctional Facility, Waiawa Correctional Facility, Women’s Community Correctional Facility, and other correctional facilities

· $3,518,308 – State Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS), Public Works Division – Project funded staff positions for the third and fourth quarters of Fiscal Year 2012

· $3,157,000 – Wastewater Treatment Revolving Funds, statewide – Construction for wastewater treatment projects (Funds fulfill 20 percent state match required for $15,781,000 in federal funds.)

· $1,650,000 – Hawai’i Army National Guard, Building 117, O’ahu – Design, construction and works of art for the renovation of the Building 117 at Kalaeloa

· $664,338 – DAGS, Information and Communications Services Division (ICSD), various facilities on O’ahu – Acquisition and installation of trunked radio repeater systems at the Hawaiian Telcom radio station at Pu’u Papa’a, Kane’ohe; ICSD radio facility at Round Top, Honolulu; and control station at the ICSD Assistance Center, Honolulu

(Source: Hawaii Office of the Governor)
8:50 a.m. | Hawaii State Senate Introduces Bipartisan Bill Aimed at Stimulating Economy

HONOLULU, Hawaii: The Hawaii State Senate is united in support of Senate Bill 2012, which will be formally introduced and referred to its respective committee during Session this morning, Friday January 27, 2012. Garnering bipartisan support, Senate Bill 2012, also known as “The Invest in Hawaii Act of 2012,” is an aggressive general obligation bond-funded $500 million Capital Improvement Program (CIP) package aimed at creating jobs by investing and stimulating our local economy from all corners of the state, from Hilo to Hanalei.

With Hawaii experiencing the lowest interest rates on record and significant savings made from the State’s most recent bond authorization and issuance, now is the time to invest in our State. The program will create shovel-ready jobs for all trades in the construction industry – from carpenters to consultants. According to conservative estimates by the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism’s (DBEDT) job multiplier, this measure could create or sustain up to 4,000 direct jobs.

“Investing now in needed State capital projects will have a direct positive impact on our economy. With interest rates at a historic low, there has been no better time to make a significant investment in our State’s infrastructure, said Sen. David Y. Ige, chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.

Projects to be considered should focus on smaller repair and maintenance projects to address aging infrastructures and to extend the useful life of existing state-owned assets and facilities. Projects should also include those that address health and safety code concerns. State departments that have been identified as part of the Program are: the Department of Education, including the State Public Library System; the University of Hawaii, including athletic facilities; the Department of Accounting and General Services; the Department of Agriculture; the Department of Defense; the Department of Health, and health care facilities of the Hawaii Health Systems, the Department of Human Services; the Department of Land and Natural Resources; the Department of Public Safety and the Judiciary. Funding will be distributed depending on the individual department’s needs and ability to commence work immediately.
Another priority of the bill is to develop sustainable and energy resources, such as photovoltaic technology. Investing in renewable energy and upgrades to information technology initiatives throughout schools, hospitals, and office buildings will ultimately lead to cost savings and a reduction of the State’s carbon footprint.

“This bill encourages the use of energy efficient materials whenever possible in the projects. It’s important that we invest in alternative energy throughout our State facilities now to save tax payers money in the future,” said Sen. Michelle Kidani, vice chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.

In order to expedite the backlogged repair and maintenance projects, Senate Bill 2012 would make revisions to the State’s permitting, approval and procurement process. As a result, the accelerated process would get workers off the bench and on the job immediately, putting more money in workers’ pockets. With this jolt in the economy, the safety net would be improved and a wide range of social and educational services would be provided.

“The Invest in Hawaii Act of 2012” is expected to be heard by the Senate Committee on Ways and Means in the upcoming weeks.

For more information on Senate Bill 2012 go to: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/

(Source: Hawaii State Senate)