County of Hawai`i

The County of Hawaiʻi, also known as Hawaiʻi County, is the largest county in the state of Hawaiʻi. It encompasses the entire Island of Hawaiʻi, commonly referred to as the "Big Island."

Established in 1905, the county serves a population of approximately 200,629 residents as of the 2020 Census, with an estimated population of 209,790 in 2024.

Government Structure

The county operates under a mayor-council form of government. The executive branch is led by the Mayor, who is elected for a four-year term.

As of 2024, Kimo Alameda serves as the Mayor of Hawaiʻi County. The legislative branch consists of a nine-member County Council, with members elected to two-year terms from single-member districts.

County Services

Hawaiʻi County offers a wide range of services to its residents and visitors, including:

• Civil Defense Alerts: Provides timely information on natural disasters and emergencies.
• Community Facilities, Services & Programs: Offers various community programs and facilities for public use.
• Elderly Services: Provides support and resources for senior citizens.
• Employment Opportunities: Lists current job openings within the county.
• Floodplain Management: Manages floodplain areas to ensure safety and compliance.
• Housing & Section 8 Information: Offers information on housing assistance programs.
• Online Services: Provides access to various online services for convenience.
• Permits: Facilitates the application process for various permits.
• Public Transportation: Operates the Hele-On Bus system for public transit.
• Real Property Tax & TMK Maps: Provides information on property taxes and tax map key maps.
• Refuse Facilities & Recycling Program: Manages waste disposal and recycling initiatives.
• Traffic & Roadwork: Offers updates on road conditions and construction projects.
• Vehicle Registration and Licensing: Handles vehicle registration and licensing services.
• Visitors: Provides resources and information for visitors to the island.

Locations and Key Departments

The county's administrative offices are primarily located in Hilo, the county seat. Key departments and their locations include:

• County Council: 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 1402, Hilo, HI 96720
• Environmental Management: 345 Kekūanāoʻa Street, Suite 45, Hilo, HI 96720
• Fire Department Administration: 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2501, Hilo, HI 96720
• Housing Department: 1919 Kinoʻole Street, Suite 102, Hilo, HI 96720
• Police Department Administration: 349 Kapiolani Street, Hilo, HI 96720
• Public Works: 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 7, Hilo, HI 96720

In addition to the main office in Hilo, the county maintains offices in other regions to serve the diverse communities across the island:

• West Hawaiʻi Office: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Building B, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
• North Hawaiʻi Office: 65-1279 Kawaihae Road, Suite 109, Waimea, HI 96743
• Pāhoa Office: 15-2879 Pāhoa Village Road, Pāhoa, HI 96778
• Hilo, HI, USA: County administrative seat and main office location.