Senate committee restores Judiciary funding

The Senate Ways and Means Committee restored $50 million to the Judiciary’s request for funding for the Kona Judiciary Complex.

The committee met this morning for decision making. Committee members approved the request, which increases the total appropriation for the courthouse funding to $81 million, with little comment.

Vice Chairwoman Michelle Kidani, D-Mililani, said she hopes the funding will remain intact after the House and Senate members meet for conference to finalize the Judiciary’s budget.

A number of West Hawaii attorneys and Big Island officials submitted testimony to support fully funding the construction project.