HB1356 appropriates $500,000 from state general revenues for fiscal year 2025-2026 and another $500,000 for fiscal year 2026-2027 to fund a flood mitigation study for Hoaka Road in Hilo, Hawaii. The money is to be administered by the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), and the appropriation is contingent on the County of Hawaii providing a dollar-for-dollar match.
The bill is narrowly targeted to a specific local infrastructure and hazard issue: evaluating flood mitigation needs for Hoaka Road. Rather than funding construction or emergency response directly, it funds a study intended to inform future mitigation planning and potential capital improvements. The measure takes effect July 1, 2025.
Impact
If enacted, HB1356 would create a new state appropriation for a local flood mitigation study and direct DLNR to expend the funds for that purpose. It would not amend existing substantive statutes, but it would add a two-year funding obligation from general revenues, conditioned on matching county funds. The practical effect would be to support planning for flood risk reduction in Hilo and potentially advance future state or county mitigation projects.
Sentiment
The available record shows no committee testimony, votes, or recorded debate, so there is no documented opposition or support in the provided materials. Based on the bill text, the measure appears to be a targeted infrastructure and resilience proposal with a local funding match requirement, which often signals an effort to share costs and encourage county participation.
Contention
The main potential point of contention is the dollar-for-dollar match requirement from the County of Hawaii, which could affect whether the appropriation is actually spent. Another possible issue is the use of state general funds for a geographically specific project, since the bill benefits one road in one community rather than establishing a broader statewide flood program. No explicit objections or supporters are identified in the provided context.
To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of certain agencies of the Executive Department for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.