County of Kauai

The 2026 County of Kaua'i Multi-Hazard Mitigation and Resilience Plan serves as a framework to reduce risks from foreseeable natural hazards by identifying strategies and actions. It addresses ten key hazards: Wildfire; Tropical Cyclones and Other High Winds; Tsunami; Landslide; Drought; Inland Flooding; High Surf, Coastal Flood, Erosion, and Sea Level Rise; Dam Failure; Heat; and Earthquake. The plan outlines 40 mitigation actions, integrating climate change analysis and addressing social vulnerability to build community resilience and protect residents, visitors, and property.

This document provides an overview of the draft Kauaʻi County Multi-Hazard Mitigation and Resilience Plan (MHMRP) 2026 Update. It outlines the plan's sections, references online resources including interactive tools, and details the public input process through a survey. The plan aims to reduce damage and disruption from hazard events within Kauaʻi County by identifying and addressing community concerns, encouraging preparedness, and focusing governmental mitigation resources.

The committee discussed and approved revisions to the operating budget for the County of Kaua'i regarding temporary hazard pay for the Hawai'i Fire Fighters' Association, Bargaining Unit 11. Additionally, the committee approved as amended a bill relating to real property tax credits under the Kaua'i County Code.

The committee held a review of the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) Budget for various departments, including the Kaua'i Fire Department, Kaua'i Police Department, and Kaua'i Emergency Management Agency. Key discussions focused on the helicopter hangar project, the 'Hangar in a Box' facility for KFD, radio system upgrades for KEMA, and various police department infrastructure projects, such as the Koloa substation remodel and evidence storage. Furthermore, the committee reviewed renovation plans for the Pi'ikoi Building, levee improvements in Hanapepe and Waimea, and various sidewalk and pedestrian path projects.

The committee held a final review of the departmental budget for the fiscal year, receiving input on the Transportation Agency, Housing Agency, Agency on Elderly Affairs, Office of the County Auditor, and Office of the County Clerk. Key discussions focused on increasing funding for nonprofit organizations supporting the houseless population, establishing safe parking zones, and addressing the challenges related to the houseless certification process. The Transportation Agency provided updates on personnel shortages affecting Sunday bus service, electrification of the fleet, expansion of the baseyard, and electronic fare payment system enhancements.