The coronavirus is causing unprecedented economic damage to Hawaii and the rest of the world. Millions of people could be ultimately laid off.
The coronavirus is causing unprecedented economic damage to Hawaii and the rest of the world. Millions of people could be ultimately laid off.
This is why the Legislature needs to approve funding for Gov. David Ige’s proposed capital improvement projects (CIP) contained in HB 2725 SD1. These nearly shovel-ready projects include the proposed Saddle Road Extension, Waiaka bridge replacement, the Waimea Regional Traffic Safety improvements, and Keaau-Pahoa Bypass widening.
These infrastructure projects will help stimulate the Big island’s economy through increased construction activity and employment. In other words, this funding will help our economy recover from the damage inflicted by this virus outbreak.
The other important appropriation is $10 million for the Department of Business and Economic Development (BED142) to construct a fiber-optic cable landing station on Oahu.
There is already an entity that is interested in landing a fiber-optic cable at this proposed station, which would continue on wards to Hilo and South America. This would solve two issues facing Hawaii; replacing aging transpacific and interisland cable capacity.
If Hawaii wants to really diversify its economy, and continue to compete on the world stage, it needs reliable interisland and transpacific fiber-optic cable connectivity. It would be huge blow to our economic future, both short and long term, if any of this funding is removed from HB2725 SD1 when the legislature reconvenes.
Aaron Stene is a resident of Kailua-Kona.
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