HomeMy WebLinkAboutNR070317MayorparticipatesinHawaiiontheHillmeetswithFederal
C O U NT Y O F KAU A‘I
BERNARD P. CARVALHO JR.
Mayor
WALLACE G. REZENTES JR.
Managing Director
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
News Release
For Immediate Release: July 3, 2017
ALDEN ALAYVILLA, PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER
Tel (808) 241-4908
Fax (808) 241-6877
Mayor participates in Hawai'i on the Hill, meets with federal agencies
LĪHU'E – Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho Jr traveled to Washington, D.C., from June 10 to
June 16 to participate in Hawaii on the Hill and met with federal agencies as well as
Congressional delegation to discuss priorities for the County of Kaua'i.
Hawai'i on the Hill, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii in partnership with Sen.
Mazie Hirono (D-Hawai'i), showcased more than 60 companies from across the state and a
diverse group of industries.
The Mayor was delighted to serve as one of the County Honorary Chairs alongside
Mayors Alan Arakawa of Maui and Kirk Caldwell of Honolulu. In addition to Hawai'i on the Hill,
Mayor Carvalho spent the week in a dozen meetings promoting the goals for the County
outlined in Holo Holo 2020, which is aimed at enhancing the economy, increasing sustainability,
planning for the island's future, caring for the community, and delivering excellent community
service.
The Mayor met with the United States Postal Service regarding the proposed Lihue Post
Office consolidation and closure, which is now being reconsidered.
He also visited to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to discuss the protection of the 'A'o
(Newell’s shearwater) and the potential for end-of-season Friday night football games.
Mayor Carvalho met with the U.S. Department of Transportation to update the department
on the progress of the $13.8 million TIGER grant award. He was met with praise of the County’s
initiative. The Department said the County's application and method of preparation could be a
model for communities across the nation.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services met with the Mayor to discuss
federal grant opportunities to support the Adolescent Drug Treatment and Healing Center
programs and equipment.
The Mayor also met with the Administration for Native Americans: Language
Preservation and Maintenance grant program to preserve native Hawaiian languages and
specifically the Ni'ihau language.
He met with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Administration to discuss
funding opportunities for Lima Ola, the County's first green affordable housing project in 'Ele'ele.
The Mayor also met with the Economic Development Administration regarding the Kaua'i
Creative Technology Center and opportunities to support local entrepreneurs and small
businesses.
At the end of his visit, the Mayor met with the Congressional delegation to update them
on the success of each of these initiatives and to thank them and their staff for their continued
support and dedication to the County of Kaua'i.
The week was full of productive opportunities for the Mayor to discuss important issues
for the County of Kaua'i. The mayor looks forward to following up with these agencies and
helping achieve the priorities and goals for the County.
Photo: 1: Left to Right: Dan Kouchi, Legislative Assistant, Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa; Mel
Rapozo, Kaua‘i County Council Chair; Besty Lin, Chief of Staff, Congresswoman Hirono; Joey Manahan,
Honolulu City Council Member and Mayor Carvalho attending the 4th Annual Hawai‘i on the Hill event
held at the State Capitol in Washington D.C.
Photo 2: Congresswoman Mazie Hirono and hula dancers and entertainers from Washington D.C. with
Hawai‘i ties were joined with strong support from Mayors Arakawa, Carvalho, Caldwell and various
Councilmembers from Hawai‘i. Mayor Carvalho sang, "The Hukilau Song" as hula dancers and members
of the audience participated before an unbelievable crowd of over 1,000.
Photo 3: Left to Right: Mel Rapozo, Kaua‘i County Council Chair; Sherry McNamara, President/CEO,
Chamber of Commerce Hawai‘i; Mazie Hirono, Congresswoman and Mayor Carvalho were thrilled by the
diversity of businesses from Hawai‘i that participated in the 4th Annual Hawai‘i on the Hill.
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