Subscribe Now
Choose a package that suits your preferences.
Start Free Account
Get access to 7 premium stories every month for FREE!
Already a Subscriber?
Current print subscriber? Activate your complimentary Digital account.
KAILUA-KONA — A bill containing funding for lifeguards at Kua bay is awaiting Gov. David Ige’s signature.
The state House and Senate voted Tuesday to pass House Bill 116, as amended during conference, sending the measure to Ige’s desk. The state executive budget bill appropriates nearly $20 million in fiscal years 2019-20 and 2020-21.
Among the program appropriations was $480,000 for each fiscal year to fund full-time lifeguards at Kua Bay. The funding was added to the bill on April 25 after a conference committee deferred House Bill 558, which sought the same amount for four full-time positions and equipment at the popular beach within Kekaha Kai State Park in North Kona.
Ige has until July 9 to veto or sign the bill into law.