‘You Are Kaua‘i’

In a statement recorded ahead of the State of the County address, Mayor Derek SK Kawakami commended the people of Kaua‘i for their efforts in battling the COVID-19 pandemic over the past year as well as their resilience in coming together as a community to help each other in the recent flooding and landslides last week.

“To think our community has been hit with yet another disaster is almost too much to bear,” Kawakami stated in a pre-recorded address. “But then we see our people — some who have nothing left to give — rise up, jump in and get to work. What has taken place over the past week has been nothing short of amazing.”

As work continues to restore access to the North Shore communities after a landslide covered Kūhiō Highway at Hanalei Hill, nonprofits, businesses, county personnel and community members have come together to ensure no one goes without the basic needs.

In the State of the County address, Kawakami said, this has been a year of adversity, “and there’s no doubt in my mind we will persist, come together and once again, rise.”

Kawakami highlighted completed projects he was proud of and efforts that will continue into the following fiscal year. While the fiscal position remains fragile, the mayor said, there will be no county layoffs or additional taxes.

He praised emergency responders and medical personnel for the work they continue to do in keeping Kaua‘i safe from COVID-19. He also expressed his gratitude to residents and their efforts to take care of each other and acted responsibly amidst the pandemic.

“You are all essential,” Kawakami said. “You’re the true heroes of this pandemic. In our island’s darkest hour, you’re the light. You are the love and aloha everyone needs a little more of right now. You are Kaua‘i.”

Watch the full address in the video above.