Kimo Alameda was sworn in as the new mayor of Hawaiʻi County at the Outrigger Resort's Kaleiopapa Convention Center in Kona, marking a departure from the usual east side setting. The ceremony was seen as a move to emphasize geographic equity. In a statement, Alameda expressed pride in the location, linking it to his campaign's message and calling it the start of a "new era" in Keauhou, as stated by Big Island Now.

Alameda’s agenda focuses on community needs like fire safety in Waikōloa, public bathrooms at Old Kona Airport Park, street lighting in rural areas, and emergency sirens for Mauna Loa eruptions. He aims to be inclusive, with goals like installing comfort stations and celebrating diversity. He emphasized working together across political lines, saying, "It's just not about the left shaka. It's not just about the right shaka. It's about the double shaka." The recent swearing-in ceremony for Alameda, the Hawaii County Council, and Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen, attended by leaders like Gov. Josh Green, according to Hawaii News Now.

The council has welcomed new members like James Hustace, who replaced Cindy Evans. Hustace plans to focus on infrastructure and environmental issues in his district. He will also work on staffing his office and addressing cesspool conversion. Dennis "Fresh" Onishi returns to work on water testing and infrastructure in his district. Local resident Jo Ann Iwane supports keeping leadership on the west side, especially with Merrick Nishimoto staying in Kona. "He said: ‘This is my community. I know Kona.ʻ So heʻs staying over here and I love that," Iwane said. Hawaiʻi County's new leadership is ready for progress, as reported by Hawaii News Now and Big Island Now.