The House Finance committee recently approved a state budget that includes $65,000,000 for a new high school in Kihei, Maui, according to a press release sent out by South Maui Rep. Kaniela Ing. 

Planning for the project has advanced over the years. The state has already acquired some land and finalized an environmental impact statement, while the Department of Education has expressed its support for the school.

But this year marks the first time that prospects for project funding seem high, Ing wrote. The draft budget now heads to the Senate Ways and Means committee, which Ing hopes will supplement the $65 mil with further funding. Ing estimates that $130 million is needed to complete the project.

But “[e]ven if no money is added, $65,000,000 is much more than enough to get the tractors out and dust fences up by next fall,” Ing wrote.

An infographic on the need for the Kihei High School:

Courtesy of Rep. Ing

— Alia Wong