Happy New Year!

Please Join Us For Our Next WCA Town Meeting

on Thurs., February 6, 2025

5:30-7PM in the W.M. Keck Observatory

Waimea Headquarters Conference Room - All invited.

MAHALO to all who participated in or contributed to WCA’s Jan. 9 Waimea Town Meeting spotlighting state and county public policy leaders who shared a glimpse of what lies ahead with the 2025 Legislature, County Council and our connectivity with national leadership. It was an informative “deep dive” into policies and procedures to better understand how to have our voices heard. We especially appreciate that over 100 attended in person and another 900 have already logged in to watch the meeting virtually!

Building community is at the heart of our 60+-year association. WCA's leadership team is all volunteers, committed to listening, learning and respecting diverse opinions. This is who we are Waimea – a place that cares for each other and the ‘aina, takes our kuleana seriously and strives to be pono.

To watch/re-watch a recording of last evening’s town meeting on YouTube, scan down this page to link.

January Town Meeting Guest Presenters (Left-Right) were State Sen. Tim Richards, State Rep. David Tarnas, Council Members Heather Kimball (D1) and James Hustace (D9)

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MAHALO to everyone who helped make the

64th Waimea Twilight Christmas Parade sensational - and safe!

For parade pictures - check out our WCA Facebook page!

COMING EVENTS:

WCA’s General Election Candidate Forum - October 17, 2024. MAHALO to all who participated!

WCA September 2024 Town Meeting:

Thursday, September 5, 2024 - 5:30-7PM

Deep Dive Into Critical Waimea Infrastructure

Infrastructure topics and guest presenters will include:

• Energy: Innergex’s Hale Kuawehi 30 MW solar farm under construction on Parker Ranch land near West Hawai’i Concrete – presented by Cassandra Macy.

• Energy: Hawaiian Electric’s Wildfire Safety Strategy which includes the Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) program – presented by Jennifer Zelko-Schlueter and Kevin Waltjen.

• Housing: Hawaii Island Community Development Corporation's (HICDC) planned 43-lot subdivision in the Ouli land division on which self help homes will be built by owner occupants. The project sits on a 14.3 acre portion of the site donated by Marc and Lynne Benioff {see map below) for the purpose of developing housing within reach by working families. Presenter will be Executive Director Keith Kato. 

• Transportation: State Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen will provide an overview of state airports, harbors and highways as well as Waimea-specific projects with time for questions. 

  More Details: https://conta.cc/3X1vtEo

New Community Center @ the former Mamane Bakery

64-1056 Mamalahoa Hwy, Kamuela, HI 96743

WCA August 2024 Town Meeting:

Thursday, August 1, 2024 - 5:30-7PM

Waimea’s Diverse Educational Community Shares Their Needs and Aspirations for the Coming ‘24-’25 School Year

More Information: https://conta.cc/4di3Opf

WCA’s Primary Candidate Forum July 11, 2024 featured 15 candidates running for Hawai’i County Mayor, State House of Representatives (D8), and County Council (D1 and D9). About 200 residents participated in what was a very popular “speed dating” format that gave candidates and voters an up-close encounter to get better acquainted and discuss issues and opportunities. MAHALO to all who participated and especially to those who helped facilitate this voter education experience!

WCA June 2024 Town Meeting:

Thursday, June 6, 2024 - 5:30-7PM

Six Stewards Will Speak To The Health and Reforestation of Our Watersheds During Waimea Town Meeting

W.M. Keck Observatory Conference Room - Please join us!

More Information: https://conta.cc/4el9GQf

Next WCA Town Meeting - Thurs., May 2, 2024 - 5:30 to 7PM

After The Wildfires: Emergency Preparedness 'Lessons Learned' - Communications and Collaboration

A panel discussion with:

• Fire Chief Kazuo Todd 

• Police Chief Ben Moszkowicz

• COH Civil Defense Administrator Talmadge Magno (or Bill Hanson) 

• Pohakuloa Training Area LTC Tim Alvarado

• Kainoa Stafford - Hawai'i Island Safety and Security Professionals Assn. (HISSPA)

• Diane Chadwick - Waimea Resilience Hub - WECAN! Network

In Person at the new Waimea Community Center @ the former Mamane Bakery

See YouTube recording above.

WCA April 2024 Town Meeting:

Spotlight on Early Childhood Challenges and Opportunities

‘How Are Waimea’s Youngest Keiki & Families Doing?

Featured Non-Profit: Hawaii Youth Rodeo ‘Ohana

Click on link below to watch YouTube recording of meeting/ To read more: https://conta.cc/4aBHe9X

Waimea Nui presenters at the WCA Town Meeting Thurs., March 7 include (L-R) Dr. Claren Kealoha-Beaudet, Pastor Sonny Shimaoka, and Tricia and Mike Hodson.

To watch or re-watch the Feb. 1 and/or Jan. 4, 2024 WCA Town Meetings - see YouTube links below:

Read All About It & Join Us!

7th Annual MAHALO First Responders Dinner - November 15, 2023

“Whether it’s the Sayre Foundation donating millions to upgrade wildland fire equipment, firefighters from different agencies who respond even when a fire is not in their jurisdiction, or the volunteers who protect their neighbors’ homes and property, it’s hard to overstate the contributions Hawaii Island first responders have on our communities,” said Nancy Carr Smith, who led WCA’s planning for this year’s first responders’ dinner. “We are always in their debt for their service.”

Coming Town Meetings

Waimea Community Association has a 63+ Year Legacy of Supporting the People, Traditions and Stewardship Heritage of This Special Place…Join us!