Mayor Alameda Focuses on Cost of Living, Residents' Quality of Life in State of County Address

Alameda outlines plans to address housing, infrastructure, and community services in Hawaii County

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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During his second State of the County address, Hawaii Island Mayor Kimo Alameda shared survey results showing cost of living as the top concern for residents. Alameda highlighted actions the county is taking to assist local families, including improving housing affordability, infrastructure, and community services. The mayor emphasized the need for collaboration across state, federal, and local governments to address the complex issues of homelessness and cost of living.

Why it matters

As the cost of living continues to rise in Hawaii, Mayor Alameda's focus on improving residents' quality of life through targeted initiatives is crucial. The mayor's plans to address housing, infrastructure, and community services aim to provide relief and stability for Hawaii County families struggling with the high costs of living in the region.

The details

In his address, Alameda outlined plans to improve building codes, roads, energy costs, water services, workforce development, home insurance, mortgage rates, property taxes, and support services. The mayor said addressing the housing crisis will require collaboration with state and federal governments, including sensible regulation changes, investments in clean energy, and partnerships with educational institutions. Alameda also shared a video highlighting accomplishments from county departments over the past year, including the construction of affordable housing units, improvements to parks and recreation facilities, and increased efficiency in building permits and road maintenance.

  • Mayor Kimo Alameda delivered his second State of the County address on February 12, 2026.
  • Crews were working on February 12, 2026 to remove the largest banyan tree on Banyan Drive due to structural instability.

The players

Kimo Alameda

The mayor of Hawaii County who delivered the State of the County address, outlining plans to address the cost of living and improve residents' quality of life.

Josh Green

The governor of Hawaii who attended the State of the County address.

Derek Kawakami

The mayor of Kauai who attended the State of the County address.

Richard Bissen

The mayor of Maui who attended the State of the County address.

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What they’re saying

“It is going to require all of us. And that's why I feel that when we talk about affordability, the only way to address it is to dig deep into these areas.”

— Kimo Alameda, Mayor of Hawaii County (bigislandnow.com)

“Homelessness and affordability are complex. It's not the state's fault, not the county's fault, or the county council's fault; it's all of us together who have to chip in. Like my friend said this morning, he doesn't mind paying taxes, as long as we get results.”

— Kimo Alameda, Mayor of Hawaii County (bigislandnow.com)

“Sometimes, improving residents' quality of life comes from easy solutions, like filling potholes or building better bathrooms. Those are the kinds of things we want to continue doing and finishing for people. They want to see where their tax dollars go and want to see us get it done.”

— Kimo Alameda, Mayor of Hawaii County (bigislandnow.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Mayor Alameda's focus on addressing the cost of living and improving residents' quality of life through collaborative efforts across state, federal, and local governments highlights the complex and multifaceted nature of these challenges facing Hawaii County. The mayor's plans to invest in housing, infrastructure, and community services aim to provide tangible relief and stability for local families.