LIHU‘E — Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami traveled to Washington, D.C., earlier this month to participate in the U.S. Conference of Mayors 91st Winter Meeting.
While there, he met with the Hawai‘i congressional delegation to highlight and discuss federal priorities for the County of Kaua‘i and conduct business meetings with various federal agencies on matters impacting the island.
“This was an opportunity for us to discuss important issues for the County of Kaua‘i with mayors from across the nation,” said Kawakami. “Our team looks forward to working with the mayors, the various federal agency representatives, and our Hawai‘i congressional delegation to continue to achieve the priorities and goals for the County.”
Kawakami, according to a press release, also met with the members and staff of the Hawai‘i congressional delegation and provided them with updates on challenges and successes on Kaua‘i. He outlined his priorities for transportation and infrastructure, affordable housing, public safety and health, climate resiliency and strengthening economic competitiveness through innovation.
Additionally, he provided the delegation with detailed updates, including the Lima Ola affordable housing project, the Kawaihau, Hau‘a‘ala and Mailihuna roads Complete Streets &Safety Improvements Project in Kapa‘a, the ‘Olohena Road improvements project in Wailua Homesteads, and Safe Routes to School projects recently completed at King Kaumuali‘i Elementary School in Hanama‘ulu and Koloa School.
The mayor and his team held business meetings with high-level officials from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of Homeland Security and the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Various Kaua‘i-relevant issues were discussed, including flood control projects, Transportation Security Administration wait times at the Lihu‘e Airport, and potential county partnerships with the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.
The 91st Winter Meeting, hosted by the U.S. Conference of Mayors, included over 260 mayors from across the nation. Kawakami was joined by Mayor of Hawai‘i County Mitch Roth and Mayor of Maui County Richard Bissen. The themes of the conference included mental health, public safety, technology and innovation, infrastructure and jobs.
