Kawakami returns from U.S. Conference of Mayors in Washington D.C.

Kaua‘i County Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami recently returned from Washington, D.C., where he attended the United States Conference of Mayors.

From Jan. 27-30, Kawakami joined mayors from across the country to collaborate on shared challenges and national priorities impacting local communities. The bipartisan conference provided an opportunity for city and county leaders to exchange ideas, learn from one another, and participate in focused discussions on critical issues such as clean energy, public safety, housing, infrastructure, and economic development, according to a press release from Kaua‘i County.

Through a series of breakout sessions and briefings, Kawakami engaged in conversations centered on practical solutions that can be adapted to meet Kaua‘i’s unique needs.

“These meetings are about making sure Kaua‘i has a seat at the table,” said Kawakami. “By sharing our successes, challenges, and future goals, we can strengthen partnerships that help move projects forward and deliver real benefits for our residents.”

Key discussions during these breakout sessions included strengthening water infrastructure to ensure reliable and resilient systems that support public health, environmental protection, and long-term sustainability. Kawakami also took part in conversations focused on improving homelessness response efforts, including strategies that prioritize coordination between housing, health, and social services to better support individuals and families experiencing housing instability.

In addition, early childhood education was a focus of several sessions, highlighting the importance of investing in early learning programs that support working families, strengthen workforce development, and improve long-term outcomes for children and communities.

A key component of the trip included meetings with Hawai‘i’s federal delegation to advocate for Kaua‘i and ensure the island’s priorities are represented at the national level. During these discussions, Kawakami highlighted ongoing and completed County projects, emphasized the importance of existing federal partnerships, and explored potential opportunities for additional funding to support critical initiatives across the island, including infrastructure improvements, housing stability efforts, and education programs.

Participation in the United States Conference of Mayors allows county leadership to stay informed on emerging policy trends, identify new funding opportunities, and bring back ideas that support a resilient, safe, and thriving Kaua‘i community.

“The County of Kaua‘i remains committed to working collaboratively with federal, state, and local partners to advocate for resources that support long-term sustainability and improve quality of life for island residents,” the release states.