U.S. Senator Brian Schatz in June announced significant federal funding for Hawai‘i aimed at addressing critical housing and infrastructure needs.

Nearly $50 million in grants were awarded, with more than $6.6 million going toward housing development in Hawai‘i and more than $42.5 million earmarked for transportation improvements on O‘ahu and Hawai‘i island.

The funding will support the creation of a State Infrastructure Bank, providing long-term financing solutions to unlock larger-scale housing production.

In addition to the housing grant, Hawai‘i will receive more than $42.5 million in new federal funding to improve roads, sidewalks and traffic infrastructure in Hilo and Honolulu.

Schatz’s office says $17.5 million will be appropriated to upgrade the intersection of Hilo Bayfront Highway and Waianuenue Avenue.

In Honolulu, $25 million will be allocated to the Salt Lake Boulevard Complete Streets project, lighting and traffic signals. Efforts have been underway since the 1970s to alleviate traffic bottlenecks in the area.