MAYOR ROTH HOSTS COMMUNITY TOWN HALL IN KAILUA-KONA Overwhelming Turnout Highlights Praises, Concerns, and Perspectives

MAYOR ROTH HOSTS COMMUNITY TOWN HALL IN KAILUA-KONA

Overwhelming Turnout Highlights Praises, Concerns, and Perspectives

Mayor Mitch Roth hosted his second town hall in a series of community engagement meetings last night at the Old Airport Pavilion in Kailua-Kona. The event witnessed an impressive turnout of over one hundred passionate residents, with many more participating online, eager to share their perspectives and receive updates from County officials. Joined by dedicated cabinet members, Mayor Roth delivered community-specific updates, provided valuable departmental information, and highlighted ongoing projects in West Hawaiʻi.

Reflecting on the event’s success, Mayor Mitch Roth expressed, “Our town hall series was designed to embrace the diverse range of issues and perspectives brought to our attention, whether positive, negative, or somewhere in between. As public servants, it is our responsibility to address the unique needs of each community and tackle broader challenges that impact us all. No community is too small or distant for their concerns to matter, and we eagerly anticipate continuing this series to delve deeper into the core issues with even more of our residents as we seek practical solutions to our most pressing matters.”

The gathering commenced promptly at 5 pm, with approximately 45 minutes dedicated to informative updates from the administration, followed by an engaging Q&A session that dominated the meeting until just after 7 pm.

Residents passionately addressed a multitude of County matters, with a particular focus on affordability, over-development, and wastewater concerns. State-level issues were also raised and discussed, including traffic congestion on Mamalahoa and Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway and challenges at Honokohau Harbor.

In response to the community’s high-priority topics, the administration provided updates on ongoing efforts, such as converting cesspools along Aliʻi Drive, developing “truly” affordable housing, and improving the Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment Plant. These initiatives include constructing over 1,000 housing units in West Hawaiʻi, set to enter the market over the next two years at affordable rates ranging from 30-80% AMI.

The meeting also saw residents express personal concerns about squatters, the well-being of monk seals, feral cats, and homelessness. Furthermore, community members praised the administration’s dedicated efforts, with one woman inquiring about opportunities to contribute and support the administration’s priorities.

Building on this momentum, the administration has scheduled its next community town hall to be held on June 27th at the Waikōloa Elementary Cafeteria from 5 pm to 7 pm. All community members are encouraged to participate. For those who missed the recent meeting or previous gatherings, recordings are available on Mayor Roth’s Facebook page (facebook.com/himayormitch) and Nā Leo TV, Channel 55.