Every March, each of Hawaiʻi's four mayors lays out their upcoming priorities during an annual State of the County address, or State of the City on Oʻahu, to their respective county councils and constituents.
Housing, infrastructure, jobs and tourism consistently remain top of mind for the local leaders.
Disaster preparedness was also a focal point in 2024, about seven months after wildfires devastated Lahaina and Upcountry Maui.
HPR reporters are tuning into this year's speeches on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Maui and Hawaiʻi Island to learn the latest.
Read and listen to what your mayor had to say:
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Office of Mayor Mitch RothHawaiʻi Island Mayor Mitch Roth’s State of the County address highlighted housing and shelter initiatives in the county. HPR's Mark Ladao outlines the key takeaways. -
Maui CountyThe last year in Maui County marked the deadliest fire in modern U.S. history, and Mayor Richard Bissen described the state of the county as "heartbroken" in his annual address. HPR's Catherine Cluett Pactol reports from Maui Nui. -
Ashley Mizuo/HPRHonolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi's State of the City address on Thursday largely focused on housing, public safety, and fixing the building permitting system. HPR's Ashley Mizuo has more. -
Kauaʻi CountyMayor Derek Kawakami focused on making Kauaʻi and its residents more resilient in his State of the County address. He shared his plans for infrastructure upgrades, retaining county workers, preparing for disasters and more. HPR's Mark Ladao has more.
The Conversation's Catherine Cruz debriefs with the mayors
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Maui CountySpeaking to The Conversation, Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen shared his reaction to Green's decision about short-term rental moratoriums and reflected on his State of the County address on March 15, in which he outlined a path forward for a "heartbroken" community. -
Hawaiʻi County Mayor Mitch RothSpeaking to The Conversation after his State of the County address, Hawaiʻi County Mayor Mitch Roth stressed the need to repair wastewater and recreational facilities before they become a bigger problem for future generations. -
Kauaʻi CountyKauaʻi County Mayor Derek Kawakami spoke with The Conversation about some of the priorities he outlined in his State of the County address last week. He, along with the other three mayors, gives an annual address on how he plans to keep the county humming. -
City and County of HonoluluThe Conversation talked to the mayor Monday morning about some of his top priorities in the upcoming year, such as improving the police officer shortage and the Department of Planning and Permitting.
