Mayor Kawakami outlined top Kaua‘i priorities to Hawai‘i Congressional Delegation during visit to Washington D.C.

Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami traveled last week to Washington, D.C., to participate in the U.S. Conference of Mayors 92nd Winter Meeting.

The mayor 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 topics impacting our community.

“We had the chance to discuss important matters related to Kaua‘i County with mayors from all over the country,” said Kawakami. “Our team is excited to collaborate with the mayors, representatives from various federal agencies, and our Hawai’i Congressional delegation to ensure that the priorities and objectives of the county are met.”

Kawakami held meetings with the members and staff of the Hawai‘i Congressional delegation where he provided them with updates on the challenges and successes that Kaua‘i has experienced. He also outlined his top priorities, which include improving transportation and infrastructure, providing affordable housing, ensuring public safety, promoting climate resiliency, and enhancing economic competitiveness through innovation.

Kawakami provided the Hawai‘i Congressional delegation with detailed updates, including the Lima Ola affordable housing project, the Kawaihau Road, Hau‘a‘ala Road, Mailihuna Road Complete Streets & Safety Improvements Project, the ‘Olohena Road Improvements project, and Safe Routes to School projects.

The mayor and his team also held business meetings with high-level officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Housing and Urban Development, and the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Various Kaua‘i-relevant issues were discussed, including flood control projects, TSA wait times at the Līhu‘e Airport, and potential county partnerships with Hawaiian Home Lands.

The 92nd Winter Meeting, hosted by the U.S. Conference of Mayors, included over 260 mayors nationwide. Mayor of Hawai‘i County Mitch Roth and City and Mayor of Maui County Richard Bissen also attended the meeting. The themes of the conference included mental health, public safety, technology and innovation, infrastructure, and jobs.