With $200 million tucked away in the State’ “rainy day fund” to ensue options available to Legislators and Governor to “backfill” programs and services that may experience cuts in federal funds, and numerous Grants In Aid unfunded, Waimea’s State Senator and Representative will provide an overview of the recent session and what to expect going forward with possible special sessions during a 5:30-7 p.m., Thurs., June 5, 2025 Waimea Town Meeting in the W.M. Keck Observatory Jerry Nelson Conference Room. 

Presenting updates on legislation passed, funding secured, bills that didn’t make it, and possibly a look into a crystal ball on what Gov. Josh Green might do with all of the bills on his desk awaiting review and signing – or vetoing or allowing to become law without his signature – will be State Sen. Tim Richards (D4) and Rep. David Tarnas (D8).

As usual, all are welcome, there is no charge, and community members may attend in person or may watch virtually via WCA’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/WaimeaCommunityAssociation) or YouTube channel (www.WaimeaTown.org).  The meeting also will be recorded and available on Facebook and YouTube for later viewing. 

Also as always, questions are welcome – preferably in advance by emailing WaimeaCommunityAssociation@gmail.com. Questions may also be typed into the Facebook chat and will be addressed as time permits.  

As usual, all are welcome, there is no charge, and community members may attend in person or may watch virtually via WCA’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/WaimeaCommunityAssociation) or YouTube channel (www.WaimeaTown.org).  The meeting also will be recorded and available on Facebook and YouTube for later viewing. 

Also as always, questions are welcome – preferably in advance by emailing WaimeaCommunityAssociation@gmail.com. Questions may also be typed into the Facebook chat and will be addressed as time permits. 

In addition to legislative actions, Sen. Richards will discuss a unique-to-North Hawai’i project that could solve serious potable and ag water issues and possibly generate electrical energy too for the residents of Kailapa, the Hawaiian Homes community at Kawaihae and county electrical grid. It’s a pump-hydro storage project that would take advantage of the Kohala mountains water source and geographical incline.  It’s a project the Senator has pursued for a number of years and whose time may have come. 

West Hawai’i Mediation Center will be WCA’s spotlighted not-for-profit for the meeting and association officers will pass the hat during the meeting to encourage tax deductible donations. 

Waimea’s Community Policing team will also provide a public safety update and share coming events including a Sat., June 28 Kohala Keiki Fishing Derby open to all youth and for which they welcome partnerships.  

For more info about the meeting or WCA, email President Mary Beth Laychak at WaimeaCommunityAssociation@gmail.com or go to www.WaimeaTown.org. Membership in WCA is not required but suggested to support the not-for-profit organization’s now 60+-year community support mission.