The U.S. House has approved the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, which earmarks $30 million for various projects throughout Hawai'i, including much needed upgrades to Lana'i's only harbor.

"The bill will fund vital energy and water projects crucial to our Hawai'i's diverse and unique environmental, coastal and harbor needs," Rep. Ed Case, D-Hawai'i, said in a news release following the vote last week.

If the act becomes law, nearly half of the money — $13 million — would go for the continued construction of long-term upgrades of Kaumalapau Harbor on Lana'i.

On the Big Island, the Kona carbon biomass project, at the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Co. facilities outside Hilo, would receive $1 million to develop a facility to process hard nut shells into premium-grade, granular activated carbon.

The facility would also generate electricity on-site for nut processing operations.

The bill also sets aside $375,000 to continue pre-construction engineering and design of the 'Iao Stream flood control project on Maui.