Mayor Kawakami signs fiscal year 2024 budget on Friday
LĪHU‘E – On Friday, Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami signed the fiscal year 2024 budget.
The budget consists of an Operating Budget of $311.4 million and a Capital Improvement Budget of $87 million.
“Mahalo to the Kaua‘i County Council, budget team, and supporting staff for their exceptional leadership, unwavering partnership, and relentless efforts towards the fiscal year 2024 budget,” said Mayor Kawakami. “Our budget allows the County to catch up on long-deferred maintenance, decrease the county’s debt, and ultimately reduce future liabilities that our children must pay. As the cost of living continues to rise, putting more strain on residents, the budget also aims to provide some relief by decreasing the Homestead tax rate by 15% and the Residential tax rate by 10%.”
Being a top priority for the administration, the operating budget continues to focus on infrastructure. With approximately $29.9 million in new General Fund CIP this year, over 90% will be dedicated to deferred maintenance, solid waste, and wastewater projects. The budget allocates $15.5 million for repaving and $18.5 million in CIP-related road costs.
“The dialogue between the Mayor’s staff and team, our staff, and Councilmembers began early in the budget process, allowing for a seamless and collaborative budget process,” said Council Chair Mel Rapozo. “We appreciate the administration’s efforts to accommodate the Council’s request. Through this joint effort, this budget will have long-term fiscal benefits for our community. Thank you to everyone for your collaborative efforts.”
Salaries and benefits comprise 77% of the General Fund budget, leaving a little more than 20% for fulfilling the County’s core functions and services. The budget also aims to reduce the County's debt by allocating $13 million to pay off the state Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund (DURF loan) for the Lima Ola housing project. This strategic investment will result in significant savings in interest payments and will enable the Housing Development Fund to be utilized for the continued development of affordable housing.
The budget for fiscal year 2024 includes creating new positions, which will aid in expanding lifeguard coverage at our beach parks, launching our new Kapa'a Satellite DMV facility, and providing extra support for our initiatives concerning homelessness.
 Mayor Kawakami (front center) and Council Chair Mel Rapozo (front right) are joined by Councilmembers Addison Bulosan and Ross Kagawa, Council Services Staff, and members of the administration at a bill signing ceremony at the County of Kaua‘i rotunda on June 16, 2023.
 Mayor Kawakami (front center) signs the fiscal year 2024 budget at the County of Kaua‘i rotunda in Līhu‘e on Friday, June 16, 2023.
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