(Big Island Video News) HONOLULU, Hawaii – Hawaii County Mayor Billy was on Oahu Monday joining other county mayors for their annual address to the state legislature’s House Committee on Finance and Senate Committee on Ways and Means.

The mayor began by thanking the lawmakers for their support of a critical economic engine in East Hawaii, the University of Hawaii-Hilo. Then, as expected, Mayor Kenoi turned his focus on the lava flow. The mayor also asked the legislature for their support on three important state projects on the Big Island: upgrades to Highway 130, civil defense sirens, and Kona International Airport.

A State Senator from Hawaii Island, Lorraine Inouye, asked Kenoi about his position on certain tax-related issues like the TAT and the GET.

Puna senator Russell Ruderman, who knows first hand the challenges related to the lava flow, was on hand to talk with the mayor.

The mayor was also asked about his recent cancellation of the proposed waste-to-energy project.