‘Your local government cares for you’: Kawakami delivers State of the County Address

Kaua‘i County Mayor Derek Kawakami stood at the podium Thursday and provided the obligatory financial outlook for the county, noting it’s hard to believe he’s nearing the end of serving 8 years as Kaua‘i County’s chief executive.

Kawakami’s message in his seventh State of the County Address, however, wasn’t just a bunch of numbers and policy initiatives. It was much broader.

“We hope our residents will feel a renewed sense of place and belonging, and feel reassured that your local government cares for you,” the mayor told the more than 150 people — including Hawai‘i Gov. Josh Green and Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke as well as Kaua’i County Council members and other officials from throughout the state — listening Thursday at Līhu‘e Civic Center

Kawakami admitted that despite enjoying beautiful sunshine while he spoke, a continued feeling of instability and uncertainty lingered in the air.

“Shifting tides and waves of change can bring anxiety if we allow it,” he told everyone. “But we will not allow it.”

Acknowledging a unified presence with state and local leaders, Kawakami summarized his proposed $488.1 million fiscal year 2025-26 budget, including an operating budget of $347.7 million and capital improvement budget of $140.4 million.

It’s a budget that prioritizes infrastructure, affordable housing and improved customer service, starting with investing in the right equipment for county employees to do their jobs.

In support of first responders, the purchase of a new twin-engine helicopter is proposed to replace Kaua‘i Fire Department’s Air 1 in an effort to enhance firefighting and rescue capabilities while drastically improving the safety of county rescuers and those they rescue.

Kawakami is also focused on creative ways to recruit and retain county employees.

“We plan to differentiate ourselves from other employers by offering associates on-site child care right here at the Līhu‘e Civic Center,” the mayor said. “Renovation of our Pi‘ikoi youth space is expected to be complete this fall.”

The county is already working to identify child care providers for the newly renovated space and invites anyone interested to reach out. Kawakami said child care challenges should not be a barrier for parents who want to get back to work.

He announced the addition of three new labor positions to support Kaua‘i County Department of Public Works Roads Division crews around the island.

“These crews maintain roadways, pavement and vegetation for over 600 lane-miles of county roadway,” Kawakami said. “While they don’t carry the title of first responder, they are often the first to respond to clear downed trees, flooded roads or fire breaks during severe weather events.”

A continued priority on infrastructure also carries over into the fiscal year 2025-26 budget proposal, requiring significant investment.

The county has made great progress on improving road conditions around the island using general excise tax funds. To date, Kawakami said 232 roads spanning 234 lane miles have been resurfaced, representing a $68 million investment in safer and smoother transportation.

“We’ve worked hard to clear the backlog of our island’s most critical repairs and can now increase our production pace with a higher-efficiency mill and fill operation,” he said. “Looking ahead, 35 additional roads totaling 48 lane miles are under contract at a cost of $21 million.”

And no infrastructure project is more critical than extending the life of Kekaha Landfill. Without intervention, the landfill will reach capacity in 2027.

“While working on Kekaha expansion, our Solid Waste Division is leaving no stone unturned to site a new landfill location, all while remaining committed to waste diversion efforts,” the mayor said.

Improvements to all refuse transfer stations are underway to address water quality standards and stormwater discharge.

All Kapa‘a refuse services are expected to reopen this year, with Hanapēpē and Hanalei projects to follow. The Līhu‘e transfer station also is now reopen to the public.

Affordable housing remains another essential part of the proposed fiscal year 2025-26 budget — the county has become the island’s largest affordable housing developer with Kaua‘i County Housing Agency and its numerous partners.

Housing initiatives include:

• Lima Ola in ‘Ele‘ele, which features 115 units for supportive, workforce and senior housing. Phase II will add 175 affordable homes.
• The Waimea and Kilauea projects aim for and 250 units in Waimea and 350 in Kīlauea, pending environmental reviews and zoning applications.
• The county is seeking a partner for the Puhi project, which will add 60 units near Kaua‘i Community College in Līhuʻe.

Kawakami also announced improvements to public services, including the expansion of online payment options for county services, reducing the need for most in-person transactions.

“We are now accepting online payments for most county services, no longer requiring customers to pay at the counter. From camping permits to building permits, customers can avoid waiting in line and pay online,” he said.

The mayor highlighted progress on the $12 million Vidinha Stadium Improvement Project, which recently broke ground on phase one that includes upgrades to the football field, track and scoreboard.

Future improvements will include bleacher repairs, upgraded restrooms, enhanced lighting and Americans with Disabilities Act compliance upgrades.

Kawakami concluded his address recognizing partnerships and collective unity in a time of uncertainty and, frankly, chaos.

“Hawai‘i has an opportunity to stand together and demonstrate what makes us unique,” he said. “Our desire to find common ground outweighs political views and personal beliefs. And in times of chaos, our bond brings a sense of calm and provides a beacon of hope.”

The mayor told those in attendance that whatever role they might play — community leaders, parents, coaches, teachers, etc. — their most important job now is to share hope.

“As I have this rare opportunity to speak to my fellow state elected officials, I offer you the same challenge,” Kawakami said. “No matter the conditions, we must always be that steady beacon of hope and light the path forward for generations.”

Visit the Kaua‘i County Facebook page to find a link to watch the 2025 State of the County Address. You can also visit the county’s YouTube channel or watch it below.

You can also read the full transcript of Kawakami’s speech on the county website.