Alameda Focuses on Affordability, Housing, and Homelessness in State of the County Address

Mayor Kimo Alameda discusses complex factors contributing to housing shortages and homelessness on the Big Island.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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In his second State of the County address, Mayor Kimo Alameda of Hawaii County focused on issues that contribute to housing shortages and homelessness on the Big Island. Alameda discussed the results of a community survey that identified the top concerns as cost of living, traffic, and healthcare. He highlighted the complex factors that impact affordability, including building codes, infrastructure, energy costs, and support services for the homeless. Alameda acknowledged the magnitude of the problem and emphasized the need for collaboration between the county, state, and community to address these challenges.

Why it matters

Housing affordability and homelessness are pressing issues on the Big Island, with the mayor highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to tackle the problem. Alameda's address underscores the complexity of these challenges and the importance of finding solutions that address the root causes, such as infrastructure, energy costs, and support services for the homeless population.

The details

In his address, Alameda discussed several factors that contribute to the housing affordability and homelessness crisis, including building codes, roads, energy costs, wastewater and water services, workforce development, home insurance and mortgage rates, property taxes, and support services for the homeless. He noted that even if the homeless are housed, many of them will not survive without additional support services and wraparound care. Alameda emphasized the need for a range of housing options, including residential treatment facilities, addiction facilities, group homes, shelters, and even jails, to address the diverse needs of the homeless population.

  • Alameda took office as mayor on December 2, 2024.
  • Alameda delivered his second State of the County address on February 13, 2026.

The players

Kimo Alameda

The mayor of Hawaii County who took office in December 2024 and delivered his second State of the County address on February 13, 2026.

Josh Green

The governor of Hawaii who was in attendance at Alameda's State of the County address.

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What they’re saying

“We sent out postcards to 28,000 residents, OK? We got 4,000 came back. And they said three things. They said the first thing is cost of living. And I'm happy they said that, because Governor Green said the same thing in the … State of the State. It was affordability, which is true story. The second thing is traffic. I said, true story, traffic. And the third thing they said was health care.”

— Kimo Alameda, Mayor (hawaiitribune-herald.com)

“I'm going to intersect with the state and try to figure out how do we get the building codes to make sense? I understand it's there for safety reasons, but it's also pricing us out of a home.”

— Kimo Alameda, Mayor (hawaiitribune-herald.com)

“Housing, for them, is not enough. They need supportive housing. They need wrap-around services. Right? They cannot hold a job because of mental health issues or addiction. So, they need all our help. They need those extra funds, those outreach workers. They need that connection. I'd say that's about half of our homeless. I look at 'em, I talk to 'em. There's no way they can manage being in a house without that support.”

— Kimo Alameda, Mayor (hawaiitribune-herald.com)

What’s next

Alameda said he will continue to work with the state and other counties to find solutions to the housing affordability and homelessness crisis, including exploring options for building code reforms, renewable energy development, and support services for the homeless.

The takeaway

Alameda's State of the County address highlights the complex and multifaceted nature of the housing affordability and homelessness challenges facing Hawaii County. Addressing these issues will require a collaborative effort between the county, state, and community, as well as a comprehensive approach that tackles the root causes, such as infrastructure, energy costs, and support services for the homeless population.