Mayor Kawakami highlights federal priorities at USCOM
Published on January 24, 2024
LĪHU‘E – Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami traveled last week to Washington, D.C., to participate in the U.S. Conference of Mayors 92nd Winter Meeting. In addition, 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 Mayor 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."
Mayor Kawakami also held meetings with the members and staff of the Hawai‘i Congressional delegation. During those meetings, Mayor Kawakami 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.
Additionally, Mayor 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 (SRTS) 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 County of Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi joined Mayor Kawakami. The themes of the conference included mental health, public safety, technology and innovation, infrastructure, and jobs.
Mayor Kawakami and Sen. Mazie Hirono during the Mayor’s recent visit to Washington, D.C., last week to participate in the U.S. Conference of Mayors 92nd Winter Meeting.
Mayor Kawakami meets with Sen. Brian Schatz (left) during the Mayor’s recent visit to Washington, D.C., last week to participate in the U.S. Conference of Mayors 92nd Winter Meeting. Photo credit: Sen. Schatz’s Instagram.
Mayor Kawakami and Rep. Jill Tokuda during the Mayor’s recent visit to Washington, D.C., last week to participate in the U.S. Conference of Mayors 92nd Winter Meeting.
Mayor Kawakami and Rep. Ed Case (right) during the Mayor’s recent visit to Washington, D.C., last week to participate in the U.S. Conference of Mayors 92nd Winter Meeting.
Krystal Ka‘ai, Executive Director (left), White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, Mayor Kawakami (middle), Erika Moritsugu (right), Deputy Assistant to the President and AANHPI Senior Liaison (AANHPI), and staff (back) on the steps of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.
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