Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. Participates in Hawai‘i on the Hill, Meets with Federal Agencies

Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. participates in Hawai‘i on the Hill, meets with federal agencies

Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. traveled to Washington, D.C., last week to participate in the fifth annual Hawai‘i on the Hill, as well as meet with federal agencies and the Congressional delegation to discuss priorities for the County of Kaua‘i.

“This event demonstrates the success of our local and state businesses and is a testament to everyone’s hard work,” said Mayor Carvalho. “I want to thank the event’s hosts, the Chamber of Commerce Hawai‘i and Sen. Mazie Hirono for showcasing more than 60 companies and a diverse group of industries from across the state.”

Mayor Carvalho was delighted to serve as one of the County Honorary Chairs with Council Chair Mel Rapozo alongside Sen. Pres. Ron Kouchi as Honorary State Chair and Mayor Kirk Caldwell as Honorary Chair for Honolulu County.

While attending Hawai‘i on the Hill, Mayor Carvalho took the time to continue promoting the goals for the County outlined in Holo Holo 2020, which is aimed at enhancing the economy, increasing sustainability, planning for the island’s future, caring for the community, and delivering excellent customer service. Mayor Carvalho met with the Congressional delegation to update them on the progress and success of each of these items and to thank them and their staff for their continued support and dedication to the County of Kaua‘i. Mayor Carvalho also updated them on the status of the disaster relief efforts that has affected Kaua‘i due to the record-breaking rainfall in April.

In addition, Mayor Carvalho met with the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration and the International Trade Administration to promote Hawai‘i’s bid to host the America’s Competitiveness Exchange (ACE) in the fall of 2019. This item was a follow up to the Mayor Carvalho’s visit with the Economic Development Administration in January, when he attended the U.S. Conference of Mayors annual meeting. Hawai‘i has since submitted a letter of intent signed by the mayors of O‘ahu, Maui and Kaua‘I, and the Hawai‘i Chamber of Commerce. A formal bid proposal will be submitted for consideration by the Economic Development Administration, the Organization of American States and the U.S. Department of State. The purpose of this initiative spearheaded by Mayor Carvalho and his staff is to host the ACE in an effort to showcase Hawai‘i’s economic development assets and opportunities, entrepreneurs and innovations to 50 diplomats and business leaders from around the world.

The week consisted of productive opportunities for Mayor Carvalho to discuss important issues for the County of Kaua‘i. Mayor Carvalho looks forward to following up with these agencies and helping achieve the priorities and goals for the County of Kaua‘i.

From left to right: Sen. Pres. Ron Kouchi, Cyndi Ayonon of the County of Kaua‘i, Council Chair Mel Rapozo, Regina Carvalho, Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr., Kaleo Carvalho of the County of Kaua‘i, and Bobby Ayonon, Immediate Past President of the Kaua‘i Filipino Chamber of Commerce, were among the state and Kaua‘i contingent at Hawai‘i on the Hill.

From left to right: Sen. Michelle Kidani, Sen. Donna Mercado Kim, U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Hawai‘i Sherry McNamara, Kaua‘i Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr., U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono, Rep. Jimmy Tokioka and Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell celebrate the success of Hawai‘i on the Hill.

Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. meets with Sen. Mazie Hirono and discusses issues important to the State of Hawai‘i and the County of Kaua‘i and provided an update on the disaster relief efforts in working with FEMA due to the damages that occurred from the heavy April rainfall.