It was a trial by fire for Mayor Mitch Roth and his new administration in late 2020 when he took office during the midst of a global pandemic and uncertain economic times.
Roth recounted the successes and challenges of his first 15 months in office in his first state of the county address, a prerecorded 25-minute video the administration released Thursday on Facebook.
“When we took office in late 2020, we knew that our administration would be up against one of the toughest challenges our county had ever faced,” Roth said. “There has been a steep learning curve, but because of the amazing individuals on our team and in the communities, we have been able to take significant strides to improve the lives of everyone on our island, and we have no plans of easing up now.”
Successes Roth highlighted included the completion of construction projects: Alii Drive culvert replacement, Henry Street and Kilauea Avenue rehabilitation projects, Makea temporary bridge, paved Paniolo Avenue and rock wall repairs near Kealoha Beach Park.
He noted that the county bought the most land in the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission program in a single year of any administration, launched the Voluntary Housing Buyout Assistance program for Kilauea eruption recovery with $107 million in federal funding and completed Americans with Disabilities Act upgrades at Hilo Bayfront, Panaewa Zoo and Wong Stadium.
Roth’s administration inherited a computerized permit system and, after a few fumbles, brought it online, increasing the permits issued from an average of 270 per month in 2020 to 529 permits in a month this year.
The administration also made strides in creating affordable housing on the island, moving from 1,243 affordable housing units in the pipeline on 2020 to 5,509 affordable housing units in the pipeline now, 292 of which are expected to be completed by the end of this year.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been the 800 lb. gorilla over the past two years, and Roth had details to share about that as well.
“The work of the community cannot be understated. Because of each and every one of you, we were able to keep our numbers in the hospital to a manageable level while significantly reducing the spread amongst our most vulnerable populations,” Roth said. “So again, I say to you all – mahalo, mahalo, mahalo.”
The county spent $125.6 million in grants, government reimbursement funds and county dollars to secure ports of entry, amplify community testing and launch widescale vaccination efforts when vaccines became readily available. Some 148,870 individuals were vaccinated, more than 439,375 COVID tests administered and 18,828 positive cases have been caught so far on Hawaii Island, he said.
And, the county administered $22 million directly into the hands of small businesses islandwide through the Holomua Grant Program and $14 million in emergency rental assistance, supporting 1,866 local families, with another $5 million to be expected to be administered by the end of this summer.
Members of the public who commented during the initial airing of the state of the county address focused on housing issues.
Seems like the island is being sold out for money and “anyone can buy Hawaiian land that’s not okay,” said Leomana Turalde, of the Voice of Mana podcast. “I’d like this island to be limited to must be from here to buy here. People can rent. But the sell out of land because America like Russia is over stepping their bounds.”
“We need more services for the unsheltered in West Hawaii,” said Linda Thomas-Vandervoort. “Current needs are not being met.”
Roth reaffirmed his commitment to continuing the work.
“We are committed to this island, its people and the cultural and environmental aspects that make this island the best place to live in the world,” Roth said. “Our future is bright, and if we can all keep in mind how our actions impact the next generation and their ability to live, grow and raise a family here, then I am confident that we will succeed in creating a vibrant and thriving Hawaii Island for us all.”
Email Nancy Cook Lauer at ncook-lauer@westhawaiitoday.com.
