MAYOR MITCH ROTH ANNOUNCES BID FOR REELECTION Asks Community to Continue Dreaming Big for Future Generations
MAYOR MITCH ROTH ANNOUNCES BID FOR REELECTION
Asks Community to Continue Dreaming Big for Future Generations
[HILO, HI] — Today, Mayor Mitch Roth officially announced his bid for reelection as the Mayor of the County of Hawaiʻi, unveiling a vision for a Sustainable Hawaiʻi Island that builds upon the significant achievements made during his first term in office. The announcement speech, delivered at Nani Mau Gardens in Hilo, highlighted the theme of “Continuing to make our dreams our reality.”
In his opening remarks, Mayor Roth reflected on a dream shared over three years ago – a dream of a Sustainable Hawaiʻi Island where future generations can thrive. The Mayor emphasized his commitment to ensuring that the next generation can call Hawaii home without facing the need to leave, a mission that has driven his administration’s accomplishments.
Housing and Permitting Achievements
Mayor Roth outlined substantial progress in the housing sector, with a remarkable 475% growth in the affordable housing pipeline from December 2020 to December 2023. The Mayor’s commitment to addressing housing needs is evident in the transformation of the building permitting process, taking it from the worst in the nation to the best in the state. The administration has issued over 3,884 new single-family home permits, significantly surpassing other counties.
Infrastructure and Parks Investments
The Mayor detailed a doubling of the previous administration’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget, allocating over $247 million to address long-overdue maintenance issues and enhance the county’s resilience. Significant investments have been made in parks and recreational facilities, ensuring safe spaces for keiki and kupuna. The administration is set to break ground on crucial projects, including Kealakehe Regional Park and Hilo Skate Park.
Environmental Stewardship Initiatives
Mayor Roth highlighted achievements in environmental stewardship, including the closure of Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation purchases. The administration is gearing up for a significant infrastructure project, redesigning the Hilo Wastewater Treatment Facility to prevent potential environmental hazards. Partnerships with community steward organizations ensure the sustainable use of acquired lands.
Clean Energy Transition and Transportation
The administration has positioned Hawaiʻi County as a clean energy pioneer through partnerships with Namie, Japan, and Lancaster, California, forming a Hydrogen Alliance. Substantial investments have been made to upgrade the transportation sector, incorporating electric vehicles and buses to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The goal is to add 18 electric buses to the island’s transportation service by the end of 2024.
Health and Safety Commitments
Mayor Roth underscored the administration’s commitment to health and safety, citing initiatives such as the ambulance replacement program, investment in a new medical helicopter, and collaboration with Hilo Medical Center for a new CATH Lab. Investments in lifeguards, fire station repairs, and an Emergency Operations Center have contributed to successfully handling challenges like a 40,000-acre brushfire and a Mauna Loa eruption.
COVID-19 Response and Community Support
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Mayor Roth’s administration responded effectively, administering over 439,375 COVID tests, catching 18,828 positive cases, and providing crucial financial support to small businesses and residents. The administration’s forward-thinking approach allowed for the continuation of essential services and events while safeguarding the community.
A Call to Continue Dreaming
In his closing remarks, Mayor Roth called upon the community to continue dreaming together, pushing the boundaries of imagination to create a better, brighter, and more vibrant island home. He shared one of his favorite quotes by Napoleon Hill, emphasizing the power of belief in achieving dreams.
Mayor Mitch Roth concluded the announcement by expressing gratitude for the support received and pledging to finish ongoing projects, initiate new initiatives, and adapt to the community’s evolving needs in pursuit of a sustainable Hawaiʻi Island for future generations.
The journey to achieve these dreams continues, and Mayor Mitch Roth invites everyone to join hands in shaping a prosperous and sustainable future for the County of Hawaiʻi.
Mayor Roth was elected to serve in November of 2020 and assumed his role on December 7, 2020.
