WASHINGTON — Hawaii could receive upwards of $2 billion for highways, bridges and broadband if Congress passes a $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure deal.

The White House released a fact sheet Wednesday laying out some of the details of what’s included in the 2,700 page bill for the Aloha State, noting that the American Society of Engineers once gave Hawaii a grade of D+ when it comes to the state of its infrastructure.

Left, Shy Kamoe-Kaleikini and right, Bronson Cayetano fix the deep potholes along Kawaiahao Street after press conference.
Congress could pump billions of dollars into Hawaii’s infrastructure if it approves a bipartisan deal that includes money for roads, bridges and broadband. Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2021

The largest share of funding for Hawaii — an estimated $1.4 billion — would be targeted toward federal highway projects and bridge repairs.

There would also be hundreds of millions of dollars to help improve public transit in the islands, although at this point it’s unclear whether any of that money would go toward Honolulu’s troubled $12 billion rail project.

According to the Biden administration, if Congress sticks to this particular infrastructure plan the state would have access to tens of millions of dollars to expand its electric vehicle infrastructure as well as at least $100 million to improve broadband and lower the cost of internet for tens of thousands of people living in the state.

The Senate is currently considering the bill as well as hundreds of amendments that have been introduced.

You can read the White House’s fact sheet here:

Help power our public service journalism

As a local newsroom, Civil Beat has a unique public service role in times of crisis.

That’s why we’re committed to a paywall-free website and subscription-free content, so we can get vital information out to everyone, from all communities.

We are deploying a significant amount of our resources to covering the Maui fires, and your support ensures that we can pivot when these types of emergencies arise.

Make a gift to Civil Beat today and help power our nonprofit newsroom.

About the Author