 May 2026
Dear District 1 Neighbors,
As we head into spring, I am sharing a quick update on some of the work happening in Kitsap County. This includes new traffic changes at the Kingston Ferry Terminal, highlights from the 2026 legislative session, and community meetings on the budget.
Thank you, as always, for staying engaged and connected to our community.
I welcome your thoughts at crolfes@kitsap.gov.
Attention North Kitsap Ferry Riders: New Ferry Traffic System Coming to Kingston
A long-awaited automated traffic management system is coming this summer to the Kingston ferry terminal to help improve traffic flow in the downtown area and reduce line cutting along SR 104 during peak travel periods. Designed in partnership with community members and Kitsap County, and managed by Washington State Ferries, the system includes a new traffic signal and boarding pass dispensers near Lindvog Road.
When the system is active, ferry-bound drivers will be directed into a designated holding lane, stop to pick up a boarding pass, and then proceed to the tollbooth when signaled. All vehicles will be required to have a pass when the system is in use.
A test period will run from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays throughout May, including on May 25, Memorial Day. Full daily operation begins June 1.
Once full use begins on June 1, the system will operate daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.:
- Mother’s Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day, seven days a week
- Saturdays and Sundays year-round
- Seven days a week during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day holiday periods.
Below is a graphic you can print out or share with neighbors.
Travelers are encouraged to watch for new signage and follow posted directions as the system rolls out.
2026 Legislative Update
2026 Kitsap County Legislative Successes
Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park Timber Rights:
 Thanks to our 23rd Legislative District legislators, Kitsap County will receive $750,000 in state funding to move forward with negotiations to purchase some of the last remaining trees at Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park, helping preserve forests that would otherwise be logged by Rayonier over the next 5-20 years.
This investment builds on the ongoing efforts of Our Forest Fund, a local nonprofit group that has been instrumental in raising funds to protect the park. Their work continues in earnest over the next six months, with ongoing fundraising efforts to match the state funding and conserve additional forestlands for future generations. To find out more about their work visit Our Forest Fund – Forests for the Community in Perpetuity.
Derelict Vessel Removal:
 Kitsap’s Derelict Vessel Technical Advisory Committee, comprised of 50+ local partners, successfully developed and passed legislation to improve enforcement timelines, reduce costs to taxpayers, and better address the abandoned vessels that put public safety and the health of the Puget Sound at risk.
Thank you to Representative Adison Richards from Port Orchard for sponsoring HB 2199, which passed into law and will take effect in July 2026.
FREE! Do you or someone you know have a rotting, unseaworthy boat taking up space on your property or in a marina? As part of the state’s derelict vessel clean-up program, Kitsap County received funding to accept up to 50 boats for disposal. Apply here to qualify!
 Extraordinary Trial Costs:
Kitsap County law and justice leaders also successfully advocated for the state to fulfill its commitment to the Extraordinary Trial Costs Act, reimbursing Kitsap County for the $745,000 in exceptional costs associated with the Careaga family murder trials. This funding will help fill gaps for the next year in both the Prosecutor’s Office and the Sheriff’s Office.
Regrouping for 2027:
Kitsap County Commissioners and other county elected leaders will be back in Olympia in 2027 working with our legislators to advocate for needs that were not met this year, including an early warning tsunami system for Hansville, improvements on Highway 305 at Day Road and Seminole Lane, wastewater treatment plant improvements, and funding for public defense and medical costs in the County jail.
Spring Cleaning
"The Big Clean" is coming!
Get ready for 'The Big Clean!' This summer, Kitsap County will welcome visitors from around the world as FIFA events kick off in Seattle. Let's show our visitors just how beautiful Kitsap County is.
Interested in helping clean up our community? Join our Adopt a Spot volunteer litter cleanup program! Volunteers can adopt county roads near their homes or join a one-day group event with participating organizations. Together, we can get our community ready for a summer of soccer and cleaner roads!
Looking for more ways to pitch in? Visit the Public Works Clean Kitsap Program webpage to explore local opportunities or check out additional programs like WSDOT’s Adopt a Highway to make an impact beyond your neighborhood.
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Recycling Made Easier Across Kitsap County
 Kitsap County residents now have expanded access to recycling services at County waste facilities. Scrap metal recycling is available at the Hansville, Olalla, and Silverdale Recycling and Garbage Facilities, as well as the Olympic View Transfer Station, making it easier and more convenient to properly dispose of metal items.
Accepted materials include most ferrous and non-ferrous metals, such as barbeque grills, bicycles, tools, pots and pans, sinks, small appliances (without refrigerants), and metal furniture. Items should be at least 80% metal, with non-metal parts removed when possible.
Cooking oil recycling has also returned at the Hansville, Olalla, and Silverdale Facilities, allowing residents to safely recycle used cooking oil into biodiesel fuel.
Together, these services help reduce waste, conserve resources, and support a cleaner, more sustainable community.
To find out more visit Solid Waste Transfer Stations - Garbage and Recycling Facilities.
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FREE! Compost Giveaway at the Fairgrounds, Saturday May 9, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. or until supply runs out.
Kitsap County’s Noxious Weed Program Opens Stewardship Assistance Program
 The Kisap County Noxious Weed Control Program is now accepting applications for its new Stewardship Assistance Program (SAP), offering landowners up to $2,500 per property in noxious weed control services. Treatments are performed by county contractors to help manage and reduce invasive species.(What are noxious weeds? Look here: Noxious Weed List.)
Funding is limited to $50,000 annually, and applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Landowners may qualify if their property contains priority noxious weeds or if they meet Senior & Disabled Tax Exemption criteria along with certain hardship categories. To learn more or to apply for the grant visit Stewardship Assistance Program.
Qualifying weeds include regulated species as well as common invasives such as knotweed, butterfly bush, purple loosestrife, tansy ragwort, and Italian arum.
Free to all! All residents qualify for free disposal of noxious weeds at county transfer stations. Check here for more information.
Upcoming Public Meetings around the district
Kitsap County Budget Meetings:
Join the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners, the Kitsap County Sheriff, and the Kitsap County Prosecutor for community meetings on the Kitsap County budget.
Wednesday, June 17 at the North Kitsap Fire & Rescue Headquarters, 26642 Miller Bay Road NE, Kingston, WA 98346. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Presentation begins at 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 18, at the Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue Administration Building 5300 NW Newberry Hill Road Silverdale, WA 98383. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Presentation begins at 6:30 p.m.
Monday, June 22, 6:30 p.m. Kitsap County Administration Building 619 Division St. Port Orchard, WA 98366. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Presentation begins at 6:30 p.m.
Point No Point Stormwater Open House at Hansville Community Center:
Join Kitsap County Public Works Stormwater Division on Tuesday, June 2 from 5:30–7:30 p.m. at the Greater Hansville Community Center for a drop-in open house and presentation on the Point No Point Stormwater Study. A brief presentation will begin at 6:00 p.m.
Port Gamble Parking Lot Ribbon Cutting:
Join Commissioner Rolfes and other Kitsap County staff at the Port Gamble North Gateway Trailhead Thursday, May 28 at 3:00 p.m. as we celebrate the official opening of the Port Gamble Heritage Park North Gateway Trailhead parking lot.
Kingston Incorporation Study Findings:
Join Commissioner Christine Rolfes on Wednesday, June 24 at the Kingston Village Green Community Center to learn more about the Kingston Incorporation Economic Research Findings. The report is for information only. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Suquamish Community Advisory Council:
The Suquamish Community Advisory Council meets the first Thursday of each month (except July) from 6:30 - 8 p.m. at the Suquamish United Church of Christ, 18732 Division St. NE.
June 4: An update from the Suquamish Police Department and planning for the annual SCAC picnic!
Kingston Community Advisory Council:
The Kingston Community Advisory Council meets the second Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. (except in July) at the Village Green Community Center, 26159 Dulay Road NE.
May 13: Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe Update
Central Kitsap Community Council:
The Central Kitsap Community Council meets the first Wednesday of the month (except July) from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue Headquarters and Silverdale Water District offices, located at 5300 NW Newberry Hill Road.
June 3: State of Health in Kitsap County, featuring Kitsap Public Health and St. Michael Medical Center.
Be a Voice for Your Community!
Kitsap County Agriculture council
Kitsap County is seeking two youth volunteers to serve on the newly established Agriculture Advisory Council. This council advises the Board of County Commissioners on issues affecting agriculture across the county, including land use compatibility, agritourism, comprehensive plan policies, and long-term strategies to support farming in Kitsap County.
The Agriculture Advisory Council includes nine voting members representing agricultural producers, livestock farmers, agricultural specialists, and youth. Individuals with experience in agriculture or a strong interest in the future of farming are encouraged to apply.
Applications for youth are currently being accepted. Interested individuals can apply by completing the online application for appointed advisory group positions. Click here to apply.
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If you live in District 1, from Hansville to north Highway 303 in Silverdale, consider applying to serve on a Kitsap County advisory group. Share your experience and insights to help support our communities, create plans and strategies to accommodate growth and development, and implement programs that ensure and improve quality of life.
Current volunteer needs:
Click here to complete an application. Advisory group members are appointed by County Commissioners and play an essential role in local government, serving as conduits between residents, businesses, communities, County staff, and commissioners.
Learn more about County advisory groups and find position descriptions for current vacancies at kcowa.us/advisorygroups.
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