Mitch Roth

Mitch Roth served as Mayor of Hawaiʻi County from 2020 to 2024, following a long and impactful career in public service. Prior to his mayoral term, he was the county’s elected Prosecuting Attorney from 2012 to 2020 and served as a deputy prosecuting attorney in both Honolulu and Hawaiʻi counties since 1993.  Roth earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and his law degree from Whittier Law School.
As mayor, Roth was known for his forward-thinking leadership and deep commitment to community well-being. His administration focused on affordable housing, infrastructure renewal, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience. He also prioritized cultural preservation and international collaboration, particularly with Japan.

One of Roth’s most meaningful accomplishments was the establishment of a Sister City relationship between Hawaiʻi County and Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima in 2024. Recognizing the deep ancestral ties many Big Island residents share with Hiroshima, Roth led a delegation to Japan to formalize the partnership. The agreement, signed alongside Mayor Tarō Matsumoto of Hatsukaichi, was more than a diplomatic gesture—it was a heartfelt reconnection of families and histories. The partnership aims to foster exchanges in tourism, education, business, and culture, and to celebrate the shared values and traditions of both communities.
 
Roth’s efforts to strengthen ties with Japan reflect his broader vision of global friendship rooted in local heritage. His work has helped ensure that the cultural legacy of Japanese Americans in Hawaiʻi continues to thrive for future generations.
In 2025, Roth transitioned to the private sector as a Senior Vice President at Central Pacific Bank, where he continues to support local families and businesses with the same dedication he brought to public office.