Hawai'i Convention Center Faces $55M Funding Gap for Leak Repairs

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The Hawai'i Convention Center in Honolulu is facing a $55 million funding shortfall that could delay much-needed repairs to address ongoing leaks and water damage at the state's largest event venue. The center has been closed for two years for construction, but the proposed budget cuts now threaten to extend the shutdown and leave critical infrastructure issues unresolved.

Why it matters

The Hawai'i Convention Center is a vital economic driver for the state, hosting major conferences, trade shows, and events that generate significant tourism revenue. Prolonged closures and unresolved infrastructure problems could hamper the center's ability to attract future bookings and events, impacting the broader hospitality industry in Honolulu.

The details

The convention center has been plagued by leaks and water damage issues since it opened in 1998. A two-year, $55 million construction project was underway to address these problems, but proposed state budget cuts now threaten to leave the center short on funding to complete the necessary repairs. Without the full $55 million in funding, the center may have to extend its closure and delay the infrastructure upgrades, leaving the facility vulnerable to further damage.

• The Hawai'i Convention Center has been closed for two years for construction.
• The proposed state budget cuts that threaten the $55 million in funding were announced in March 2026.

What’s next

State legislators will need to decide whether to approve the proposed budget cuts or restore the full $55 million in funding to allow the convention center repairs to be completed.