Mayor Kawakami attends Hawai‘i on the Hill, U.S. Conference of Mayors
Published on June 23, 2025
LĪHU‘E – Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami traveled to Washington, D.C., from June 8 to 11, 2025, to participate in the 9th Annual Hawai‘i on the Hill, and later attended the 93rd Annual U.S. Conference of Mayors held June 19 to 22 in Tampa, Florida.
The 9th Annual Hawai‘i on the Hill, hosted by U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono and the Chamber of Commerce Hawai‘i, brought together local businesses, nonprofits, and policymakers to showcase Hawai‘i’s economic and cultural strengths. The four-day event included a welcome reception, a policy summit with remarks from national leaders, and the signature Taste of Hawai‘i on the Hill, which featured more than 90 Hawai‘i-based organizations and drew over 1,500 attendees.
“Coming together in D.C. reinforces that Hawai‘i’s spirit and entrepreneurship shine most brightly when we unite on the national stage,” said Mayor Kawakami. “Mahalo to Sen. Hirono and the Chamber of Commerce of Hawai‘i for hosting this event, which shares Hawai‘i’s culture, vision, and aloha.”
The following week, Mayor Kawakami joined over 200 mayors from across the country at the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Tampa to discuss shared challenges and policy solutions. Topics included housing, public safety, climate resilience, artificial intelligence, and strengthening partnerships between cities and the private sector.
“Conferences like this offer both proven and fresh ideas we can tailor for Kaua‘i,” said Mayor Kawakami. “Connecting with fellow mayors facing similar issues reinforces our shared responsibility and opportunity to serve our communities better. We thank the organizers and Tampa Mayor Jane Castor for hosting this year.”
Mayor Kawakami (left) participated in the 9th Annual Hawai‘i on the Hill, hosted by Sen. Mazie Hirono (middle) and the Chamber of Commerce Hawai‘i. Hawai‘i lawmakers, including Sen. Brian Schatz (right) and Kōloa Rum Company owner Bob Gunter (middle), participated in the 4-day event.
The 9th Annual Hawai‘i on the Hill, hosted by U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono and the Chamber of Commerce Hawai‘i, brought together local businesses, nonprofits, and policymakers to showcase Hawai‘i’s economic and cultural strengths.
Mayor Kawakami (left) with Tampa City Mayor Jane Castor and the 93rd annual U.S. Conference of Mayors at Tampa, Florida.
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