Council advances $18 million plan to replace 4 Mile Creek bridge with state match

The Hawaii County Council on Dec. 8 approved Bill 97 on first reading to add the 4 Mile Creek bridge replacement to the county capital budget and to pursue an estimated $12 million in state matching funds, making the project an $18 million effort.

Representative Richard Onishi described the project’s history and the state’s role in supplying matching funds. "We originally got $13 million in 2017... the funds lapsed," he said, and noted that the new matching package would help move the project forward. Director Roden Hurst of Public Works explained that procuring design consultants, conducting historic and environmental reviews, and scoping will follow once state funds are released; he emphasized the need for good public outreach during early design phases.

Councilmembers asked about traffic signalization at the HiHi and Kilauea intersection, emergency vehicle access, and funding sources. Finance Director Diana Sacco said the county would likely use the general excise tax fund to repay bonds if borrowing is needed and that the county could begin design work without waiting for the state to release its share.

Council approved first reading with support from most members; the measure requires continued coordination with state agencies and further engineering and environmental review before construction. Council members described the project as a priority for Puna and Upper Hilo access and public-safety improvements.

Next steps: Secure release of state matching funds, procure design consultants, complete environmental and historic reviews, and return to council with project scopes and timelines.