HomeMy WebLinkAboutNR062118MOBERNARD P. CARVALHO JR.
Mayor
COUNTY OF KAUA'I
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
News Release
For Immediate Release: June 21, 2018
WALLACE G. REZENTES JR.
Managing Director
ALDEN ALAYVILLA, PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER
Tel (808) 241-4909
Fax (808) 241-6877
Mayor participates in Hawaii on the Hill, meets with federal agencies
LIHU'E — Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. traveled to Washington, D.C., last week to
participate in the fifth annual Hawaii on the Hill, as well as meet with federal agencies and the
Congressional delegation to discuss priorities for the County of Kaua'i.
"This event demonstrates the success of our local and state businesses and is a testament
to everyone's hard work," said Mayor Carvalho. "I want to thank the event's hosts, the Chamber
of Commerce Hawaii and Sen. Mazie Hirono for showcasing more than 60 companies and a
diverse group of industries from across the state."
Mayor Carvalho was delighted to serve as one of the County Honorary Chairs with Council
Chair Mel Rapozo alongside Sen. Pres. Ron Kouchi as Honorary State Chair and Mayor Kirk
Caldwell as Honorary Chair for Honolulu County.
While attending Hawai'i on the Hill, Mayor Carvalho took the time to continue 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 customer service. Mayor Carvalho met with the Congressional delegation to update
them on the progress and success of each of these items and to thank them and their staff for
their continued support and dedication to the County of Kaua'i. Mayor Carvalho also updated
them on the status of the disaster relief efforts that has affected Kauai due to the record -breaking
rainfall in April.
In addition, Mayor Carvalho met with the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic
Development Administration and the International Trade Administration to promote Hawai`i's bid
to host the America's Competitiveness Exchange (ACE) in the fall of 2019. This item was a follow
up to the Mayor Carvalho's visit with the Economic Development Administration in January, when
he attended the U.S. Conference of Mayors annual meeting. Hawaii has since submitted a letter
of intent signed by the mayors of Oahu, Maui and Kaua'I, and the Hawaii Chamber of Commerce.
A formal bid proposal will be submitted for consideration by the Economic Development
Administration, the Organization of American States and the U.S. Department of State. The
purpose of this initiative spearheaded by Mayor Carvalho and his staff is to host the ACE in an
effort to showcase Hawai`i's economic development assets and opportunities, entrepreneurs and
innovations to 50 diplomats and business leaders from around the world.
The week consisted of productive opportunities for Mayor Carvalho to discuss important
issues for the County of Kaua'i. Mayor Carvalho looks forward to following up with these agencies
and helping achieve the priorities and goals for the County of Kauai.
From left to right: Sen. Pres. Ron Kouchi, Cyndi Ayonon of the County of Kauai, Council Chair
Mel Rapozo, Regina Carvalho, Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr., Kaleo Carvalho of the County of
Kauai, and Bobby Ayonon, Immediate Past President of the Kauai Filipino Chamber of
Commerce, were among the state and Kauai contingent at Hawaii on the Hill.
From left to right: Sen. Michelle Kidani, Sen. Donna Mercado Kim, U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard,
President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii Sherry McNamara, Kauai Mayor
Bernard Carvalho Jr., U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono, Rep. Jimmy Tokioka and Honolulu Mayor Kirk
Caldwell celebrate the success of Hawaii on the Hill.
Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. meets with Sen. Mazie Hirono and discusses issues important to
the State of Hawaii and the County of Kauai and provided an update on the disaster relief
efforts in working with FEMA due to the damages that occurred from the heavy April rainfall.