HomeMy WebLinkAbout20230126MO.pdfDEREK S.K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR
MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
News Release
For Immediate Release: January 26, 2023
COUNTY OF KAUA‘I
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
SARAH K. BLANE, CHIEF OF STAFF
(808) 241-4900
Mayor Kawakami highlights federal priorities for County of Kaua‘i at U.S. Conference
of Mayors 91st Winter Meeting
Līhu‘e – Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami traveled to Washington, D.C., last week to participate in
the U.S. Conference of Mayors 91st 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 matters impacting our community.
“This was an opportunity for us to discuss important issues for the County of Kaua‘i with mayors
from across the nation,” said Mayor Kawakami. “Our team looks forward to working with the mayors,
the various federal agency representatives, and our Hawai‘i Congressional delegation to continue to
achieve the priorities and goals for the County.”
Mayor Kawakami also met with the members and staff of the Hawai‘i Congressional delegation
and provided them with updates on challenges and successes on Kaua‘i. He outlined his priorities for
transportation and infrastructure, affordable housing, public safety and health, climate resiliency, and
strengthening 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 recently completed at King Kaumuali‘i Elementary
School in Hanamā‘ulu and Kōloa Elementary School.
The Mayor and his team also held business meetings with high-level officials from the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers, the Department of Homeland Security, 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 91st Winter Meeting, hosted by the U.S. Conference of Mayors, included over 260 mayors
from across the nation. Mayor Kawakami was joined by Mayor of Hawai‘i County Mitch Roth and Mayor
of Maui County Richard Bissen. The themes of the conference included mental health, public safety,
technology and innovation, infrastructure, and jobs.
Photo caption: (From left to right) Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen, Hawai‘i County Mayor Mitch
Roth, and County of Kaua‘i Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami.
Photo caption: Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami meets with Sen. Brian Schatz to discuss federal priorities last
week in Washington D.C. Photo source: Sen. Schatz’s Instagram account.
Photo caption: Mayor Kawakami (right) meets with staff from the U.S. Department of Homeland
Security (from left to right) Deputy Assistant Secretary Miriam Enriquez, Director of State and Local
Affairs - Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, and Associate Director, Office of Intergovernmental Affairs,
Office of Partnership and Engagement, Colleen Silva.
Photo caption: (from left to right) Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency Project Management and
Compliance Officer Nicholas Courson; Krystal Ka‘ai; Executive Director of the White House Initiative on
Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI) and the President’s Advisory
Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders; Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami;
Mayor’s Office Policy Analyst Polly Phillips; Mayor’s Office Managing Director Mike Dahilig; Catherine
Beal, Vice President of Client Services at Smith Dawson & Andrews; and Kierstin Stradford of Smith
Dawson & Andrews.
Photo caption: San Clemente Mayor Chris Duncan (left) takes a moment with Mayor Kawakami (right) at
the U.S. Conference of Mayors 91st Winter Meeting.
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