Legislative Update
By Representative Jeanné Kapela, House District 5
Serving South Kona to Keaʻau
Happy summer, friends! House District 5 stretches 108 miles, from Konawaena High School to Keaʻau Shipman Park. It is the largest and most geographically diverse district in the state, and every mile of it carries real needs: access to clean water, reliable roads, healthcare, strong schools and a thriving community.
We started this past legislative session with a $3 billion statewide budget shortfall that forced difficult conversations about priorities. Despite the shortfall, followed by a historic storm and earthquake, I’m proud to report that we protected essential services and secured meaningful investments for our community. Here are some highlights I want to share!
For Volcano: $500,000 was secured for Volcano School and $135,000 for the Volcano Art Center. I also introduced a House Resolution to formally place expanded healthcare access for Volcano residents on the Legislature’s agenda.
Healthcare: $50 million was secured for the Kaʻū Hospital – Keaʻau Outpatient Center. Through SB3025, we secured funds to eliminate outstanding medical debt for residents.
Safety & Climate Resilience: $4 million was secured for emergency siren modernization statewide and $5.7 million for wildfire prevention and community protection programs.
Hawaiian Affairs: A recurring $55 million was secured for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, honoring the state’s trust responsibilities to Native Hawaiians and shoring up programs like Tūtū and Me that lost federal funding in 2025.
Waikapuna: We are actively working with community members and state and county departments to support greater access to Waikapuna. Mahalo to all who have shared their voices.
Agriculture & Economic Diversification: $2.5 million was secured for the Agribusiness Development Corporation to acquire property in Kaʻū and develop an agricultural park, positioning Kaʻū at the center of Hawaiʻi Island’s agricultural future. We also worked with DBEDT to take steps to advance the certified kitchen and cultural center being spearheaded by Hana Laulima Lāhui O Kaʻū, supporting farmers and food producers right here in the district.
Highway 11: I know many of you are frustrated with the condition of Highway 11, and rightfully so. I am actively working with the Department of Transportation to push for expedited resurfacing. Please send me an email or submit a road-conditions complaint to build our case. Every submission goes directly to the department and helps build our case. Your voice matters, let’s make them hear it together.
I want to hear from you — please stay in touch. It’s a kākou kind of thing. Let’s work together to ensure our Kaʻū community thrives.
Me ke aloha pumehana,
Representative Jeanné Kapela
House District 5 | 808-586-9605
repkapela@capitol.hawaii.gov
