Honolulu, Hawaii.  Following several days of heavy rains, flooding and sewage spills on the island of Kaua’i, the House Finance Committee today set aside $12 million for the state to repair and rebuild harbors, highways, and restore public lands that were damaged by the storms.

Governor Abercrombie declared an emergency for Kaua’i and Oahu yesterday.  The budget appropriation is essentially a placeholder to prepare for funding requests once a damage assessment is completed.  At this time, the $12 million includes $5 million for public highways, $5 million for state harbors, and $2 million for state land and natural resources.

“Chair Marcus Oshiro and the House Finance committee responded immediately to the heavy damage that our island took during the recent storms,” said Rep. Derek Kawakami (District 14 –   Hanalei, Princeville, Kilauea, Anahola, Kapaa, Wailua).

“We have been working closely with Senator Ronald Kouchi (District 7-Kaua’i, Ni’ihau) and Mayor Bernard Carvalho (County of Kaua’i) to help repair the damage and bring some normalcy back to our island,” Rep. James Tokioka said, “and we are grateful to House Speaker Calvin Say, the House Leadership team and our Finance colleagues for their support.”  Rep. James Kunane Tokioka (District 15- Lihue, Koloa) and Rep. Dee Morikawa (District 16 – Niihau, Lehua, Koloa, Waimea) serve on the House Finance Committee with Rep. Kawakami.

“The amount of heartfelt concern echoed through the hallways of the State Capitol and in the Finance Committee conference room, as fellow colleagues from across the state expressed their care and concern for the well-being and safety of the Kauai community,” added Rep. Kawakami.