HomeMy WebLinkAboutNR061919MO1F� OF
THE COUNTY OF KAUA'I
DEREK S. K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR
qa 4 MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
OF
News Release
For Immediate Release: June 19, 2019
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
SARAH K. BLANE, CHIEF OF STAFF
Tel (808) 241-4900
Fax (808) 241-6877
Mayor Kawakami meets with federal agencies
and participates in Hawaii on the Hill
LIHU`E — Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami traveled to Washington, D.C., from June 9
through June 12 and met with federal agencies and the Congressional Delegation to discuss
priorities for the County of Kauai. In addition, Mayor Kawakami participated in the sixth annual
Hawaii on the Hill, an event hosted by the Hawaii Chamber of Commerce and U.S. Senator
Mazie Hirono.
"I would like to thank the congressional delegation and agency officials for listening to
Kaua`i's priorities and working with us to achieve our goals. I especially want to thank those who
have helped and continue to help with disaster recovery," Mayor Kawakami said.
Mayor Kawakami attended meetings promoting the goals for the county, focusing on
disaster recovery and resilience, planning for the island's future and safety, economic
development, and transportation improvements.
The mayor met with White House officials to discuss strategies to coordinate successful
projects within the County's two opportunity zones, discuss resiliency, and provide an update on
the county's recovery efforts following the April 2018 flooding. Officials helped equip Mayor
Kawakami with innovative ideas to cultivate successful projects within opportunity zones. The
mayor also met with Under Secretary of the Department of Transportation for Policy Derek Kan
and staff to discuss the progress of the Lihu`e Town Core Revitalization and Mobility Project and
review the County's transportation projects and goals.
Furthermore, Mayor Kawakami had the pleasure of meeting with the Congressional
delegation to update them on the County's successes, priorities, disaster recovery process, and
to thank them and their staff for continued support and dedication to the County of Kauai.
Mayor Kawakami met with Department of Housing and Urban Development staff to discuss
disaster recovery funds slated for Kauai. The Mayor also met with Federal Emergency
Management Administration staff to identify grants and opportunities related to flooding and
community resiliency.
This week was an opportunity for Mayor Kawakami to represent the County of Kauai
and engage with officials in Washington as well as meeting with top agency and congressional
staff to promote Kaua`i's goals. The mayor looks forward to following up with those he met and
hopes to welcome them to the County of Kauai in the near future.
In addition, the sixth annual Hawaii on the Hill included events focused on engaging
with policymakers and showcasing Hawaiian culture, local businesses, and products.
"Hawai`i on the Hill continues to be an important event to promote Hawaii businesses,
interests, and culture in Washington, DC. I want to thank the Hawaii Chamber of Commerce
and Senator Mazie Hirono for organizing such a productive and meaningful event," Mayor
Kawakami said.
Photo caption: County of Kauai officials met with White House officials to discuss strategies to
coordinate successful projects within the County's two opportunity zones, discuss resiliency and
provide an update on the County's recovery efforts following the April 2018 flooding. (From left
to right) County of Kauai Managing Director Mike Dahilig; Deputy Director, Office of
Intergovernmental Affairs, for the White House William Crozer; Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami;
Director of the Office of Economic Development Robbie Melton; Environmental Engineer for the
EPA, John Ferris; and Rear Admiral Deputy Director Resources and Acquisitions, J8 Force
Structure for the DOD, Rear Admiral Jim Aiken.
Photo caption: Mayor Kawakami and his staff also met with Federal Emergency Management
Administration staff to identify grants and opportunities related to flooding and community
resiliency. Officials include Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration Paul Huang (rear);
Public Assistance Branch Chief Denise Yandle; Hazard Mitigation Specialist Brian Willsey;
Director of the Office of Economic Development Robbie Melton; Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami;
Intergovernmental Affairs Specialist Jacob Spell; Managing Director Mike Dahilig; and FEMA
staff.
Photo caption: Mayor Kawakami and his administration met with Department of Housing and
Urban Development staff to discuss disaster recovery funds slated for Kauai. (From left to right)
Director of Economic Development Robbie Melton; Managing Director Mike Dahilig;
Intergovernmental Relations Intern Conner Funderburk; Senior Advisor for the Office of
Community Planning and Development Jocklynn Keville; Director of Disaster Recovery and
Special Issues Division Tennille Parker; Deputy Assistant Secretary of Intergovernmental
Relations Mike Kelly; and Congressional Relations Specialist Zach Barnes.
Photo caption: Mayor Kawakami greets Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) at Hawaii on the Hill.