‘We are flying’: Hawaii Island mayor highlights progress in first State of the County address

HILO (HawaiiNewsNow) – During his first State of the County address, County of Hawaii Mayor Kimo Alameda highlighted progress made by his administration, including investments in park facilities and infrastructure.

“We are not just running. We are flying,” Alameda told a crowd at Nani Mau Gardens in Hilo Tuesday.

Alameda touted several accomplishments over the past four months, including:

• Starting Phase 1 of the Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant Rehabilitation Project with an Emergency Proclamation in place.
• Repairs and reopening of various county park facilities across the island.
• Reaching agreements with unions on hazard pay for county employees.
• Housing individuals at the Kuawa Street shelter and the Country Club condominiums on Banyan Drive in Hilo.
• Road repaving and resurfacing in every district.

Alameda also provided an overview of the proposed 2025-2026 budget, which includes estimated revenue and appropriations of $937 million, a 1.8% increase over the current fiscal year.

Despite the projected revenue increase, he noted, “We have to be smart with our spending” and take out bonds to cover funding balances.

His proposed budget includes increasing the maintenance budget for park facilities and addressing deferred maintenance of critical infrastructure.

Alameda also addressed the need to “take a serious look at our economic sustainability while preserving our natural resources” by cracking down on illegal vacation rentals and increasing workforce housing.

Watch his full address above and read his speech here.

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