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<\/a>Mayor Kimo Alameda takes a photo with Gov. Josh Green after the State of the County address at Nani Mau Gardens in Hilo on Feb. 12, 2026. (Kelsey Walling\/Big Island Now)<\/p>\n\u201cIt is going to require all of us,\u201d said Alameda, acknowledging the various jurisdictions involved. \u201cAnd that\u2019s why I feel that when we talk about affordability, the only way to address it is to dig deep into these areas.\u201d<\/p>\n
Alameda\u2019s address was held at the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawai\u02bbi\u2019s Winter General Membership Meeting. The room full of attendees included county staff, family, supporters, and special guests, including Hawai\u02bbi Gov. Josh Green, Kaua\u02bbi Mayor Derek Kawakami and Maui Mayor Richard Bissen.<\/p>\n
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ADARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW AD<\/p>\n Alameda said addressing the more extensive issue of housing will require state and federal government collaboration, with the county continuing to pursue solutions such as:<\/p>\n Sensible regulation changes that lower housing costs without sacrificing safety<\/p>\n Investments in energy infrastructure and clean energy<\/p>\n Partnering with educational institutions to bolster the local workforce<\/p>\n Investing in housing with social services<\/p>\n \u201cHomelessness and affordability are complex,\u201d Alameda said. \u201cIt\u2019s not the state\u2019s fault, not the county\u2019s fault, or the county council\u2019s fault; it\u2019s all of us together who have to chip in. Like my friend said this morning, he doesn\u2019t mind paying taxes, as long as we get results.\u201d<\/p>\n As the administration remains focused on improving quality of life, Alameda said he continues to promise hard work and collaboration to deliver results for residents.<\/p>\n \u201cI try not to make promises about things that are not in my control, but I can promise you effort, 100%,\u201d Alameda said. \u201cI can promise you collaboration. I can promise you working for more funding.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/a>Mayor Kimo Alameda gives the State of the County address at Nani Mau Gardens in Hilo on Feb. 12, 2026. (Kelsey Walling\/Big Island Now)<\/p>\n