HONOLULU — Hawaii lawmakers are confronting a deadline to pass the state budget, but they’re still deciding on key issues.
Legislative appropriations committees have until Friday night to reach agreement on all aspects of the state’s $12 billion budget.
The main issues that remain include the governor’s requests for funding for capital improvement projects.
One major question is how the state will come up with $40 million to pay for a conservation deal at Turtle Bay Resort. Gov. Neil Abercrombie had announced that deal last week.
Lawmakers also have to decide which nonprofit organizations will be granted money. A legislative staffer said more than 250 groups had applied for funding.
The state is expecting less revenue than it was when Abercrombie originally submitted a draft budget, leaving the Legislature with tough decisions.