…“the current conditions are critical and we need to act now to prevent a potential catastrophe.” State Senator Josh Green “Vital infrastructure that is poorly administered is a public hazard. When it’s our water system, that hazard is not to be taken lightly.”   West Hawaii Today, Editorial, July 20th. SPECIALLY SCHEDULED FORUM ~ Due […]

Why does a transition to clean energy matter to Hawaii’s economy and environment? Studies on the emerging global clean energy economy project the addition of millions of related jobs by 2030. Renewable energy now employs nearly 10 million people worldwide, according to a new report. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) said Wednesday in its […]

AUDIENCE COMMENTS & FEEDBACK ON THIS FORUM “Great moderating trying to get presenters to focus on the topic and asking tough questions.” — “The County Presenters should have been more prepared.” — “Departments heads did not answer the question as to what possible cuts in for departments”– “Too little about budget.  Too much about what we do.” […]

Is Hawaii County violating the U.S. Clean Water Act, polluting West Hawaii’s marine and reef environments?  A 2008 U.S. Geological Survey report found Kealakehe effluent seeping into Honokohau Harbor and surrounding coastal areas. Near Queen Kaahumanu Highway and Honokohau Harbor, surrounded by reddish brown lava rock and a chain link fence, is a County sign “Do […]

Join us and hear the priorities your state representatives have set for the upcoming 2017 legislative session. This West Hawai’i Forum is your opportunity to speak directly with your State and West Hawaii County representatives…  Share your thoughts on the issues and priorities for Hawai’i that’s important to you, your family, and the Community. Various […]

This forum will explore the health consequences of long term exposure to volcanic emissions, how topography and trade winds direct Vog and create pollution pockets in West Hawaii; how best to live with Vog; and new multi-agency Vog monitoring and reporting tools now available on-line to the public. Living on Hawai’i island with its active […]

How prepared is Hawai’i for the climate changes now underway that affect our daily lives — the environment on which we depend and an economy based on historic assumptions that may no longer work. The Earth is warming rapidly, following 2015, this year is on track to be the hottest year on record. Hawai’i is […]

This important Forum topic that affects every resident of the County – our island’s roads.   This West Hawaii Community Forum will focus on the state of the County’s roads, the maintenance, development priorities, plans and funding of our road system. Hawai’i recently sold more than $200 million in State highways revenue bonds.  Over  $22 million […]

On July 15th, 2016 Hawaii’s Public Utility Commission announced its rejection of Florida-based NextEra Energy Inc.’s $4.3 billion take-over bid of Hawaiian Electric Co. (HEI). What are HELCO’s energy plans and options for Hawaii County now that NextEra is no longer in the picture? What role will HELCO serve in Hawaii’s clean and independent energy […]

NEWS UPDATE: Mayor-elect Harry Kim was elected to office in a record low Hawai’i county voter turn-out during the August 2016 primary.  In a crowded field of 13 mayoral candidates, Kim won with 51% margin over his nearest rival, Wally Lau.  But less than 15% of the County’s registered voters placed their ballot check mark […]

Learn how your hard earned tax dollars will be applied to County-established budgetary priorities for the fiscal year of 2016-17. Mayor Billy Kenoi and members of his cabinet will explain the new County budget and spending priorities for Hawai`i County.  Joining the Mayor will be Department of Finance Director Deanna Sako, along with Susan Akiyama – […]

Southwest coastal areas of Hawai’i County face unique watershed and soil management issues. Experts will explore the problems and potential solutions for area residents and the surrounding agricultural community. The Big Island, being geologically very young, is without many defined waterways.   As a result, some drainage areas throughout the Island often overflow during rainstorms. […]

Hawai’i County’s General Plan, approved in 2005 by the County Council represents the County government’s overall plans and policy direction for Hawai’i Island.  Under the General Plan, the County engages in a process of revising and adopting a Community Development Plan (CDP), most recently in 2015 that will affect communities throughout our island home. Hawai’i County’s CDP […]

Hawai’i County is one of more than 20 communities across the U.S. now taking part in the Blue Zones movement of well-being, one that promises a healthier life for all.   Hear from healthy living experts from both in and outside the Blue Zones who will discuss lifestyle and nutritional changes, and techniques that offer […]

Join us and hear the priorities your state representatives have set for the upcoming 2016 legislative session. This West Hawai’i Forum is your opportunity to speak directly with your State and West Hawaii County representatives…  Share your thoughts on the issues and priorities for Hawai’i that’s important to you, your family , and the Community. […]

The Department of Human Services (DHS) Point in Time 2015 Survey Results indicate an overall 30% increase in homelessness in Hawai’i County from 2014.   Hear experts discuss the problem, challenges, and solutions for homeless individuals and families in our community.

In the second part of the West Hawaii Forum series on Energy hear from experts and professionals who are making a difference in Hawaii’s transition to clean and homegrown energy independence. Presenters will explore the prospects and opportunities of this fundamental energy transition. OPENING REMARKS: Rep. Nicole E. Lowen, Vice Chair, Energy and Environmental Protection […]

We use it around the clock and complain about its cost. We all need electricity. What will NextEra’s $4.3 billion purchase of Hawaii’s multi-island private electric utility, Hawaii Electric Inc., mean to the state’s clean energy future and to the utility’s customers of Hawai’i County?

Update on the UH system has made to improve opportunities for residents of West Hawaii to receive higher education services from the UH System. Speakers David Lassner, UH President John Morton, VP for Community Colleges UH Hilo and UH Community College officials

Information about the current and future plans by the State Department of Transportation in West Hawaii which includes a status report on existing projects and concerns. Speaker Ford Fuchigami, State DOT director

Explore the role of money in politics and how that affects our public policies and, ultimately, democracy in America. Speakers Gary Hooser, Kauai councilman and former State Senator Marvin Feldman, economist Louise Feldman, educator Una Greenwell, farmer

Legislators will discuss Committee assignments and their priorities for legislation affecting the State and West Hawaii in particular. Speakers Rep. Nicole Lowen Rep. Richard Creagan Rep. Cindy Evans Senator Josh Green

Discuss post-high school education opportunities in West Hawaii with a particular focus on the role of the facilities at Palamanui. Speakers Dr. Sandra Scarr Dr. Walter Kunitake Dr. Marty Fletcher Pete Hoffman

Focus on Hawaii County Real Property Taxation and highlight the work of the Hawaii County Real Property Taxation Task Force. Speakers Stan Sitko, Hawaii County Real Property Tax Manager Councilmember Margaret Wille Councilmember Karen Eoff

An overview of damaging earthquakes in Hawaii, including current theories on where and why they occur and what you can do to keep you and your family safe. Speaker Wes Thelen, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Seismologist.  

What’s being done to improve our roads? Speakers Jiro Sumada, Deputy Director, State DOT Warren Lee, Director of the Hawaii County Public Works Dept.

To learn more about the State activities and projects affecting West Hawaii.  To provide update of current educational opportunities and potential future programs at the upcoming Palamanui Campus. Speakers Representatives Richard Creagan, Nicole Lowen and Senator Malama Solomon Dr. Marty Fletcher, West Hawaii Director for the University of Hawaii programs.

To learn more about current activities and projects of our county. Update on issues before the Hawaii County Council. Speakers Mayor Billy Kenoi Councilman Dru Kanuha

Virtual trip from Ka’u to North Kona, recounting the volcanic history and stories of lava flows along Highways 11 and 190. Speakers Jim Kauahikaua, USGS scientist Janet Babb, USGS scientist

To learn what the State legislators will be working on during the upcoming legislative session and for the county council to report and discuss county activities Speakers Representatives Nicole Lowen, Cindy Evans and Richard Creagan

Focus on the implementation of the Affordable Health Care Act Speakers Tom Matsuda, Implementation manager of the Affordable Health Care Act in Hawaii Coral Andrews, executive director of the Hawaii Health Connector Joan Danielly of Kaiser Permanente Senator Dr. Josh Green

Focus on critical health issues in West Hawaii and specific actions that are being taken by West Hawaii health providers to address them. Speakers Dr. Sharon Vitousek, former director of North Hawaii Outcome Project Susan Hunt, director of Hawaii Island Beacon Project Jay Kreuzer, CEO of Kona Community Hospital Richard Taaffe, executive director of the […]

Speakers Michael Matsukawa, attorney and CE board member Ken Melrose, chairman of the Action Committee for KCDP Margaret Wille, Councilwoman, District 9 Nancy Pisicchio, KCDP Steering Committee facilitator Bo Kahui, executive director for Laiopua 2020