Lawmakers Threaten $55M Cut to Fix Leaky Hawaii Convention Center

Proposed funding reduction could delay critical repairs, jeopardize future bookings.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:05am

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A close-up view of a metallic escalator handrail partially submerged in a puddle of water, symbolizing the infrastructure challenges facing the Hawaii Convention Center.Escalating costs and unresolved leaks threaten the future of Hawaii's premier convention center.Honolulu Today

The Hawaii Convention Center's two-year construction shutdown may not resolve its decades-old leak problems if lawmakers uphold a proposed $55 million funding cut, raising the likelihood the center will reopen in 2028 with ongoing water intrusion and safety concerns. The House Finance Committee recently removed the request from its draft supplemental budget, despite warnings from center officials and the Hawaii Tourism Authority that the money is needed to complete major leak-related repairs during the closure.

Why it matters

The convention center has struggled with worsening leaks since shortly after opening in 1998, and the proposed funding cut underscores broader concerns about escalating costs, shifting project scopes, and oversight at the state-owned facility. Unresolved leaks could impact guest safety, damage the center's reputation, and lead to a decline in lucrative offshore bookings that are critical to Hawaii's tourism economy.

The details

The center previously received $100 million for capital improvements, including $64 million for rooftop terrace deck repairs and contingencies, and $36 million for other projects. But the rooftop terrace deck project alone has grown to at least $87 million, forcing officials to divert funds from other planned repairs. The additional $55 million request includes $34 million in new capital improvement funds and permission to use $21 million from the Hawaii Tourism Authority's enterprise fund.

  • Construction began on January 2, 2026, with the convention center only open on weekends and evenings.
  • From January to July 2026, Phase 1 will include interior demolition, structural upgrades, and canopy piers.
  • From July 2026 to February 2027, Phase 2 will focus on the rooftop canopy.
  • From February to June 2027, Phase 3 will involve reroofing.
  • The project is scheduled for completion by October 2027, with the convention center reopening in January 2028.

The players

Jeff Carbaugh

Associate director of projects at the Hawaii Convention Center.

Teri Orton

General manager of the Hawaii Convention Center.

Talon Kishi

Vice president of finance at the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

Lisa Kitagawa

Chair of the House Finance Committee's Capital Improvement Project.

Sharon Moriwaki

Vice chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, who handles capital improvements for the Senate.

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What they’re saying

“If this project is not funded, the facility will reopen in 2028 with unresolved leaks that will continue to impact guest safety and overall experience. This poses a significant risk to our reputation within the MCI (meetings, conventions and incentives) market and could lead to a decline in offshore bookings, which are critical to the state's economic impact.”

— Teri Orton, General Manager, Hawaii Convention Center

“We already funded them to pay for the roof and building repairs and we will not appropriate any more CIP (capital improvement project) funds. If they can pay for it via revenue bonds, we are open to that discussion.”

— Sharon Moriwaki, Vice Chair, Senate Ways and Means Committee

“When you don't have a budget and you don't have the money it's very difficult for us, or for me, to say, 'Hey let's continue to give you more money,' because you are not working within the budget and the agreed-upon expenses.”

— Lisa Kitagawa, Chair, House Finance Committee's Capital Improvement Project

What’s next

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The takeaway

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