June town meeting in Waimea features Hawai‘i County Mayor Alameda, county department chiefs

The next monthly town meeting hosted by Waimea Community Association features a special presentation and community discussion with Hawai‘i County Mayor Kimo Alameda and members of his administration.

Community members are invited to the June meeting from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 4, in the Jerry Nelson Conference Room at W. M. Keck Observatory headquarters in Waimea.

There will be portions of this month’s available for viewing later online; however, all community members are encouraged to turn out in-person as there will be no live-stream.

Those who attend will hear directly from Alameda and county department leaders in attendance about county projects, priorities and issues including finances, parks, planning, research and development, sustainability, water and other issues impacting Hawai‘i Island.

It’s an important forum for face-to-face communication with county leadership. Community members will also have the opportunity to ask questions and engage with decision-makers during an extended question-and-answer portion of the town meeting.

“Having direct access to the mayor and county department heads is incredibly valuable for our community,” said Waimea Community Association President Nancy Carr Smith in an announcement about the upcoming meeting. “This meeting gives residents the chance to hear firsthand what is happening at the county level and better understand the challenges and opportunities facing our community.”

Alameda emphasized the administration’s commitment to community engagement and transparency.

“We’re pleased to accept the invitation to share updates from several departments,” said the mayor in the meeting announcement. “We look forward to seeing everyone there and having plenty of time for [questions and answers].”

The meeting also will include a special tribute honoring beloved community member Pastor Sione Tilini, whose recent death is deeply felt throughout the Waimea community.

Waimea Police Department will provide community announcements, as well as introduce Waimea’s newly appointed captain.

Nonprofit spotlight for June is Mālama Kai Foundation, presented by Executive Director Chris Hawkins.

The foundation has worked for more than three decades to protect Hawai‘i’s coastal and marine resources through environmental stewardship, marine debris removal, conservation partnerships and community education initiatives around the island.

Contact Carr Smith via email at WaimeaCommunityAssociation@gmail.com or visit the Waimea Community Association website for additional information.