DECISION
2018
SUNDAY, JULY 29
2 • Sunday, July 29, 2018
THE GARDEN ISLAND
thegardenisland.com
MAYORAL CANDIDATES
doesn’t mean you should. Real estate agents have been targeting off island buyers to make their commissions, everyone needs to make a living. You have to list the price by 1. What’s your plan to create more afcomparable sales in the area fordable housing on Kauai? so placing units on the market Mo Des Local housing options are extremely lim(especially the new developited and affordable housing is especially ments approved by the general plan) at an scarce. affordable price (around $300k) would do As Mayor, I will lead a multithe trick and the market would use this as pronged approach to remedy the price point comparable. this crisis, including: 2. What’s your plan on reducing traffic (1) Aggressively identifying and improving roads on Kauai? and implementing “shovel I will make sure the state allows the counready” projects, and streamties to have more control over the operalining processes to fast-tract tions and income generated on island so construction; (2) Promotion Kawakami that we may be tax according to our needs. of “In-Fill” projects in Lihue to There is already extra income arriving from maximize housing density and reduce comthe GET increase that I will make sure goes muter traffic; (3) Increasing emphasis on towards infrastructure, expansion of bus studio and one-bedroom units to expand schedule and the re-paving of roads starting opportunities for young adults and Kupuna; with the west side. I’m in favor of cane haul (4) Leveraging relationships with contracroads being used as bypass roads but will tors, financial institutions, and state agennot allow the creation of a hwy down the cies to promote new housing options and heart of our mountain by paving power line maximize the use of resources; and (5) Agtrail. Mt. Waialeale is off limits. gressively increase enforcement against ille3. What’s your plan on balancing tourgal vacation rentals. ism and a good quality of life for those 2. What’s your plan on reducing traffic who live on Kauai? and improving roads on Kauai? As mayor I will use the resources of the We will proceed on several fronts, includoffice to limit the amount of flights permiting: (1) Implementation of the Kapaa Traffic ted to land on island. The state needs to unSolutions Plan to mitigate congestion; work derstand that they cannot operate on Kauai with the state to find solutions for traffic the way they operate on Maui or Oahu. from the south and Westside; (2) Expansion Kauai is different, has always and will alof the Bus System to increase routes and ways be different. services during critical times and locations; 4. What can be done to improve recy(3) Deployment of roundabouts at high trafcling on Kauai? fic intersections; (4) Implementation of safe Improving recycling starts with bringing walking and biking zones within our urban in the MRF and eliminating all plastics cores and on school routes; (5) Evaluation through a new technology called bio fusion. and adjustment of County work hours to We will start lessening the load on our curminimize congestion; and (6) Secure fundrent landfill in hopes of starting a new one ing for acceleration and implementation of later than required. We need to inspire evnew lanes and roads where possible. eryone to participate in recycling by making 3. What’s your plan on balancing tourit convenient and by dealing with what ism and a good quality of life for those needs disposal directly on island. Shipping who live on Kauai? anything off island is not sustainable. We aspire to have a robust and diversified 1. What’s your plan to create more af5. What specifically will you do to deeconomy that provides secure jobs and liv- fordable housing on Kauai? crease homelessness on Kauai? ing wages. To achieve this, we need to pro1. We need to inventory all lands and deTargeting the root of the cause of this isvide more opportunities for students and termine kuleana and all the other quiet title sue will be to balance our economy and be 1. What’s your plan to create more afentrepreneurs through internships/appren- or otherwise mishandling of all Hawaii lands in compliance with the ethical practice of fordable housing on Kauai? ticeships, innovation, partnerships and the especially the corrupted judiciary corpocapitalism where exploitation is prohibited. Housing should be affordable, we nurturing of economic engines like creative rate, u.s. military occupation over 125-years, In the interim the kanaka maoli will have shouldn’t have to create it. We are a rural media and technology. We also must recog- the Kauai administration corporations, permission to practice the ancient way of community with or without an urban core. nize the vital role that the visitor industry council and department directors. Houses plays in Kauai’s economy. The visitor expe- for Humanity delegated as the primary com- Most of our families are service providers or life in communion with the land safe and blue collar workers. Just because you can rience must continue to be unique and inpany to triple up on their current activity, SEE MAYORAL, PAGE 8 spiring. While we welcome visitors, we need which DHHL must also use to get beneficia- charge more and get someone to pay for it
The Garden Island sent questions, with a limit of 100 words per answer, to mayoral candidates. Here are their responses.
Derek Kawakami
to be careful to protect our cultural heritage and manage the island’s resources in ways that are reasonable and pleasing to visitors and residents alike. 4. What can be done to improve recycling on Kauai? Kauai is one of the most beautiful and environmentally important places on earth. It’s our responsibility to care for our land, water, and natural resources. Today, residents must be personally motivated to recycle to any significant degree. As the County moves forward to complete the permitting and construction of a new solid waste facility (before the Kekaha Landfill reaches its limit), we will also move to expand options and make it easier for residents to recycle. In this regard we will examine successful recycling programs from other municipalities and determine what may work best for Kauai. 5. What specifically will you do to decrease homelessness on Kauai? Living on Kauai with its cultural history, natural beauty, and diversified population, it’s important for our residents to lead healthy lifestyles, and have good employment, living, and recreational opportunities. Unfortunately, homelessness on Kauai is not insignificant, and it has not been improving. The programs described above to address the shortage of affordable housing and to provide good jobs with living wages would help alleviate homelessness. In addition, as this is not a problem the county can solve alone, we will work closely with state agencies, faith communities and other non-government groups. Bonus question: What is one thing you want the community to know about you? I am personally committed to making our precious island a wonderful home for our hardworking residents and a unique worldclass experience for our visitors. Working together we can be accomplished in ways that honor our past, respect our culture, and protect our environment.
Debra Kekaualua
ries on the death list for 50 years or more into homes WITHOUT blood lineage determination, ONLY via genealogy rules and due to the fact that 100 percent of the birch certificates are fraud, state of Hawaii we are not and never Kekaualua have been! This is why Obama smoking gun is that his birth certificate was illegally changed and made into a fraud. 2. What’s your plan on reducing traffic and improving roads on Kauai? 3. What’s your plan on balancing tourism and a good quality of life for those who live on Kauai? 2./3 Moratorium on growth, dismissing military and American citizen vehicles and downsize current buses to the public, and implement taxi coupon paratransit 9 passenger vans operated by taxi companies that already are supplying taxi paratransit, but use tourist rates round trip, three days a week for dialysis. These independent contractors make a great living via state reimbursements. I worked the Kauai Bus, got a 100 percent satisfactory driving supervisor interview, and when I asked for more than 20 hours and like the TGI ad 17 $hr and benefits, I was told the mayor authorizes upgrades to full time and could take 10 years. At eight months I was removed from Kauai Bus, because my questions were too bold and other office practices which led to arrest and recasting transportation director to HR. 4. What can be done to improve recycling on Kauai? 4. ZERO WASTE involved and our duty to assert as they do in California that i have studied already. Recycle or pay the price of entering the new dump arrangements being manifested. 5. What specifically will you do to decrease homelessness on Kauai? 5. TVRs back in the inventory, i would also engage in vouchers for condo, time share foreclosures, even hotel,suites must come forward and assist in housing our people first, then if there is any room, we may lift the moratorium.
Ana Mo Des
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ELECTION ROUNDUP THE GARDEN ISLAND LIHUE — Twenty-four candidates are running for the Kauai County Council, while seven are seeking the mayor’s seat. Councilmemembers Arthur Brun, Arryl Kaneshiro, Mason Chock, and Vice Chair Ross Kagawa filed for reelection, while Council Chair Mel Rapozo, and Councilmembers Derek Kawakami and JoAnn Yukimura are seeking the mayor’s seat. County’s Parks and Recreation Department Director Lenny Rapozo, Kapaa resident Debra Kekauala and Hanamaulu resident Clint Yago are also running for mayor. Reps. Dee Morikawa, Dis-
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THE GARDEN ISLAND
trict 16, Jimmy Tokioka, District 15, and Nadine Nakamura, District 14, are seeking reelection to twoyear seats. Challengers are Elaine Daligdig, District 15, and Stephanie Iona, District 16. Kauai holds an open election. After the Aug. 11 primary election, 14 of the 24 candidates advance to November’s general election, while two of the mayoral candidates will move on. In the 2016 election, 13 candidates filed for the race, while four filed for the mayoral races. In 2014, 20 candidates filed for the council race, while in 2012, there were nine candidates who ran for council.
POLLING PLACES 2018 primary candidate list The following is a list of candidates for August’s primary election.
Kauai County Council candidates Dom Acain Kanoe Ahuna Mayor candidates Juno Ann A. Apalla Derek Kawakami Arthur Brun Debra Kekauala Mason Chock Ana Mo Des Felicia Cowden Lenny Rapozo Ted Daligdig III Mel Rapozo Billy De Costa Clint Yago Norma Doctor Sparks JoAnn Yukimura Luke Evslin Victoria Franks State representatives Richard Fukushima candidates Cecilia Napohaku-Hoffman Elaine (Queenie) Daligdig, Shaylene Iseri District 15 Ross Kagawa Stephanie Iona, District 16 Arryl Kaneshiro Dee Morikawa, District 16 Nadine Nakamura, District 14 Kipukai Kualii Nelson Mukai Jimmy Tokioka, District 15 Wally Nishimura United States Senate: Adam Roversi Ron Curtis (R) Roy Saito Shirley Simbre-Medeiros Milo Spindt Harold Vidinha
Partnerships to Strengthen Our Community!
Paid for by Many Friends of Lenny Rapozo • P.O. Box 4013, Lihu‘e, HI 96766 Roy Morita, Chair • 808-431-4066
Primary election will take place Aug. 11 at the following locations: PRECINCT 14-01
PRECINCT15-04
PRECINCT 14-02
PRECINCT 15-05
PRECINCT 14-03
PRECINCT 16-01
PRECINCT 14-04
PRECINCT 16-02
PRECINCT 14-05
PRECINCT 16-03
PRECINCT 15-01
PRECINCT 16-04
PRECINCT 15-02
PRECINCT 16-05
PRECINCT 15-03
PRECINCT 16-06
Hanalei Elementary School, Cafeteria, Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School, 5-5415 Kuhio Highway Cafeteria, 4431 Nuhou St Kilauea School, Cafeteria 2440 Kolo Road. Anahola Hawaiian Homes Clubhouse, Hall Kalalea Road. Kapaa Elementary School, Cafeteria 4886 Kawaihau Road. Kapaa Neighborhood Center, Meeting Room, 4491 Kou St.
Koloa Elementary School, Cafeteria, 3223 Poipu Rd Koloa Neighborhood Center, Meeting Room, 3461 Weliweli Rd Kalaheo Neighborhood Center, Gym, 4480 Papalina Rd Hanapepe Recreation Center, Meeting Room, 4451 Puolo Rd
Kapaa Middle School, Cafeteria, 4867 Waimea Neighborhood Center, Olohena Road. Meeting Room, 4556 Makeke Rd King Kaumualii Elementary School, Cafeteria, 4380 Hanamaulu Rd Wilcox Elementary School, Cafeteria, 4319 Hardy St.
Kekaha Neighborhood Center, Meeting Room, 8130 Elepaio Rd Vote By Mail Precinct Pursuant to Act 100 SLH 2012, there will be no polling place for this precinct. Voters will be mailed a ballot.
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THE GARDEN ISLAND
Sunday, July 29, 2018 • 5
LT. GOVERNOR CANDIDATES SOUND OFF AT KAUAI FORUM Jessica Else THE GARDEN ISLAND
LIHUE — Traffic, affordable housing and taxes were all on the table last month as four candidates for Hawaii’s Lieutenant Governor went head to head in the first Kauai political forum of 2018. Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. highlighted his ability to turn the people’s vision into action, state senator Will Espero touted his years of political experience, Kim Coco Iwamoto presented herself as a fresh candidate with new perspectives, and state senator Josh Green spoke about involved leadership and getting results. Less than 50 people attended the event, which was broadcast by various media outlets. The candidates were put through two rounds of randomized questions, pre-
can continue to maintain and manage our island.” He also responded to questions about traffic on Kuhio Highway, saying the solution to congestion is creating and maintaining complete streets and walkable, bikable areas. “We have the footprint, (let’s) take that footprint to the state level,” Carvalho said. Green emphasized the importance of keeping middle class families in Hawaii through affordable housing and a higher living wage. He suggested developers of luxury resorts and alike properties are “honor DENNIS FUJIMOTO / THE GARDEN ISLAND FILE bound” to also provide reasonable housing for Hawaii’s Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr., state Sen. Josh Green, state Sen. Will Espero, and Kim Coco Iwamoto make up the panel of candidates for lieutenant governor during residents. “Right now it’s impossible the Kauai Chamber of Commerce political forum at the Aqua Kauai Beach Resort. to be a middle class family sented to them in the order the Transient Accommoda“We want our visitors to and live in Hawaii,” Green in which they were sitting. tion Tax cap for counties, come (and) we need to take said. “We haven’t…stood up Carvalho kicked off the fo- saying it’s the only way to care of our land,” Carvalho to the developers and it’s rum in support of removing maintain infrastructure. said. “Remove the cap so we not just about building ca-
pacity, it’s about raising wages.” He also spoke about connecting with neighbor islands and the importance of an active and involved Lieutenant Governor in Oahu. “The most important thing is to hear people in person,” Green said. “I fancy myself someone who goes into the trenches.” Espero’s first question was about how to promote a return to agriculture in Hawaii, and he said answered with evidence of his legislative support of hemp crops and the medical cannabis industry. “I support diversified ag. Our next golden crop is hemp and cannabis,” he said, pointing out the crop can be used to create many things like biofuels, clothing, and rope. He also responded to a
SEE FORUM, PAGE 6
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Mayoral Continued from page 2 protected. Those newly entering the island needing help can use these principles since we are the healing island. We need to first improve existing infrastructure and I would like bath houses on each moku for the locals, tourists and houseless alike. Even though I’ve seemingly come out of nowhere I am a serious candidate that will resolve the issues at the root of the cause. If the other candidates felt the same way I do about our social justice issues then we would be seeing the results of solutions instead of an increase in problems.
Mel Rapozo 1. What’s your plan to create more affordable housing on Kauai? The lack of affordable housing is a major problem here on Kauai and requires a multiprong approach that I have detailed in my comprehensive affordable housing plan that can be found on my website at www. melforkauai.com. I simply cannot answer this question in 100 words or less. 2. What’s your plan on reducing traffic and improving Rapozo roads on Kauai? Traffic and roads are a major problem here on Kauai and requires a multi-prong approach that I have detailed in my comprehensive traffic plan that can be found on my website at www.melforkauai.com. I simply cannot answer this question in 100 words or less. 3. What’s your plan on balancing tourism and a good quality of life for those who live on Kauai? We have reached the carrying capacity on the island of Kauai. We must work with the State and encourage them to use better judgment as they promote our island to the world. Their marketing success has become detrimental to the quality of life for both our residents and visitors. We must also continue to fight for our fair share of the Transient Accommodation Tax revenues. It is simply unfair for the State to enjoy the increasing revenues of our visitor industry and yet cap the County’s share. 4. What can be done to improve recycling on Kauai? We must make it convenient for our residents to recycle. Curbside recycling must be re-visited and if feasible, implemented immediately. The recycling market is a volatile one, and we must be able to adjust to
THE GARDEN ISLAND the changing world. 5. What specifically will you do to decrease homelessness on Kauai? We must identify a site for a homeless shelter immediately. Also, creating safe zones where our homeless population can stay at until accommodations can be found must be done. Getting an accurate count of our homeless, while getting the necessary social services to them, cannot be done if we don’t know where they are. The priority will be the keiki and kupuna, however we must make a genuine effort to get all of our homeless in some sort of shelter. Bonus question: What is one thing you want the community to know about you? I love Kauai. I love our people. I have been blessed to have had the opportunity to serve this community for all of my adult life. My 14 years on the Council has been an honor, and the last 4 years as the Council Chair has been very productive. I want to Keep Kauai Moving as your new Mayor. Thank you.
roads and building major bypasses for 40 years but traffic has worsened. To reduce congestion we need to make short bypasses that improve connectivity, locate homes close to jobs, provide more frequent and later bus service and shuttle service in all regions of the island, make it safe and pleasant to walk and bike within towns. 3. What’s your plan on balancing tourism and a good quality of life for those who live on Kauai? Per the Tourism Strategic Plan we are exceeding our physical (infrastructure) and social capacity. Until infrastructure improves, we should 1. not allow any additional resort zoning, 2. strictly enforce our ban on vacation rentals outside of Visitor Destination Areas, 3. educate airlines and federal/state regulators of airports that it is unwise to increase airport arrivals before infrastructure improves because otherwise we kill the goose that lays the golden eggs. We must also ensure a good quality of life residents—e.g. provide affordable housing, parks, reduce traffic—because a secure community will mean happy visitors.and a Lenny Rapozo, director of the county Desuccessful visitor industry. partment of Parks and Recreation, did not 4. What can be done to improve recyrespond to several invitations to answer the cling on Kauai? questions. When he announced his candiTo increase recycling, we need curbside dacy for mayor, he said: recycling, which requires a Materials Recov“I believe I can make a difery Facility (MRF) where dry recyclables are ference for the people of sorted, baled and turned into saleable comKauai and Niihau.” modities. A MRF will provide jobs for, Rapozo has nearly 30 years 1. What’s your plan to create more afamong others, people with disabilities and of experience in both state fordable housing on Kauai? has the potential to spawn small businesses and county government, inHaving helped develop 1500 affordable —e.g. the making of plastic lumber and cluding his current position. Rapozo homes over the last 20 years, other building materials from plastics, and He said this involvement in partly using $41 million seproducing sand from glass (our golf courses the community has helped cured by my administration presently import sand from China). I have him understand the need for partnerships after Hurricane Iniki, I know proposed funding the MRF but my colin order to move projects forward. that the County urgently leagues (except Councilmember Chock) “I stand before you today, humbled by needs new monies if it is to continue to pursue Waste to Energy options your faith in me. Together, we will win this adequately address the afthough three County studies have shown election and continue to move the County Yukimura fordable housing crisis on that they are not feasible. of Kauai forward, making things better for Kaua’i. The proposed charter 5. What specifically will you do to dethe people of Kauai and Niihau.” amendment earmarking 3% of existing real crease homelessness on Kauai? property taxes would enable the County Ending homelessness on Kauaʻi would be Housing Agency to match or supplement a major goal of my administration. Cities federal funds, buy land, attract private-pub1. What’s your plan to create more aflike Houston and Salt Lake City are ending lic partnerships, or float a bond. It will not fordable housing on Kauai? homelessness for veterans using the “best raise taxes because tax increases on vacaI plan to reach out to construction compractice” approach of “Housing First.” This panies who is willing to donate there time to tion rentals and absentee owners of high approach puts homeless people into permahelp build and contribute to Kauai’s Future priced residential property already apnent housing with 24/7 wrap-around serproved will provide the funds. and also create a non profit charity to help vices to help them make the transition to 2. What’s your plan on reducing traffic raise funds to cover the cost of building afliving in society again. Within my first year, I and improving roads on Kauai? fordable housing for those in need no tax will bring people together to develop 1. a Knowing we needed another money payer dollars will be used for this venture. source to address Kaua’i’s $100 million road Housing First project like Hauiki Village on 2. What’s your plan on reducing traffic repair backlog, I lobbied for years to secure Sand Island. an inspiring collaboration inand improving roads on Kauai? My plan on reducing traffic here on Kauai the excise tax surcharge for road repair/ bus volving many agencies, businesses, nonprofand improving road conditions is effectively expansion. It finally passed—now we can fix its 2. a jobs program for the homeless like the successful Fort Worth Jobs Program. our roads—though Chair Rapozo voted widen roads where needed adding more traffic lanes the most cost effective way and against it. Honolulu has been widening
Lenny Rapozo
eco friendly repaving roads where is needed use of inbound flow control. 3. What’s your plan on balancing tourism and a good quality of life for those who live on Kauai? Yago My plan is not increasing nor decreasing the balance on tourism or the good quality life for our citizens but to embrace it modernize it to keep up in this new era of living I think we can benefit from having a 50/50 balance both from trial & error. 4. What can be done to improve recycling on Kauai? My plan is to bring more awareness on recycling through ad campaigns and meet and greets. 5. What specifically will you do to decrease homelessness on Kauai? I will create more nonprofit programs to help facilitate citizens who is in need of housing the program that is going to be created is help and counsel and redirect individuals to become productive members of society and to help with housing placements. Bonus question: What is one thing you want the community to know about you? I’m an honest, hardworking individual who thrives for success …
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JoAnn Yukimura
Clint Yago
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Kauai to kick off vote-by-mail THE GARDEN ISLAND Gov. David Ige has signed into law a historic bill making Hawaii the fourth state in the country to switch to a universal vote-by-mail elections system — a process that will start with the 2020 election. In a compromise to ensure the bill would pass both houses of the Legislature, the switch to all-mail voting will begin here on Kauai, where it will be introduced two years from now. If Kauai’s testbed experience is positive, the entire state will switch to universal voteby-mail beginning in 2022. The new system is intended to blunt Hawaii’s appalling reputation as “the state that doesn’t vote,” as one CNN commentator described its record. After the switch, voters will still be able to cast ballots in person if they do not receive ballots in time or sim-
ply choose not to vote by mail. Here on Kauai, there will be just one location for in-person voting, similar to early voting practices that have been in place Nakamura for several years. Voting in person at local precinct locations will no longer occur. Elections officials emphasized that the changes do not affect this year’s primary and general elections, which will continue to utilize multiple polling places islandwide. For 10 days before the 2020 election, Kauai County will open a voter service center, offering early voting and same-day registration. The center will continue to operate until the official hour the polls close on election day. It will, among other things, accept in-person delivery of ballots. With this legislation, Hawaii
joins Colorado, Oregon and Washington as the only states to make the switch so far. Common Cause Hawaii and the Morikawa League of Women Voters of Hawaii issued a joint statement applauding the legislation, as well as Kauai County’s role in its introduction. “By implementing vote-by-mail for Kauai County, Hawaii is taking action to improve voter participation in the political process and stimulating our democracy,” said Corie Tanida, the Common Cause executive director. “We are committed to advocating for modernized election procedures until such reforms are available statewide.” Rep. Nadine Nakamura, of Kauai’s 14th district, was a key proponent of the new legislation. She
summarized her views this way in a floor speech shortly before the new bill passed: “In 2016, 56 percent of the voters on Kauai voted early or used an absentee ballot in the general election. Only 44 percent voted at the polls on Election Day. Further, 85 percent of the voters on Kauai who requested an absentee ballot voted.” Nakamura’s perspective was echoed by Rep. Dee Morikawa, who holds the 16th district House seat. “It is time for this to happen,” Morikawa said. “Kauai’s pilot program will help to address some logistical concerns that a few legislators had, so I believe it is better to begin small. I just wish we had done this two years ago.” Morikawa was instrumental in enacting a bill in 2012 that switched Niihau, with its tiny number of registered voters and remote location, to all-mail voting.
Statewide, Hawaii has seen voter participation dwindle steadily since statehood in 1959. In that year, more than 93 percent of registered voters cast ballots. But by 2016’s general election, participation statewide dropped to 58.4 percent. The 2014 election was even worse, at 52.3 percent. The pattern reflects typically lower turnouts for off-year balloting. The numbers have been similar on Kauai, where turnout started out at 94 percent at statehood but declined to 61.4 percent in 2016. “The majority of voters on Kauai want the convenience that our current absentee mail-in ballot system offers,” Nakamura said. “Residents like the convenience of voting early, have additional time to assess the candidates and the issues and not feel rushed to make a decision in the voting booth.”
“Keep Kaua‘i Moving” PAID FOR BY FRIENDS OF MEL RAPOZO • CHAIR: KALEO PEREZ 3-2600 KAUMUALII HIGHWAY, STE 1300 #330 LIHUE, HAWAII 96766 • (808) 651-3262
www.melforkauai.com
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KAUAI COUNTY COUNCIL CANDIDATES
THE GARDEN ISLAND
Following is a brief look at candidates for the Kauai County Council. There are seven open seats, with two-year terms.
while securing funds to begin construction on road and bridge improvements that have been overlooked throughout the years. “My hope is to help transition and prepare our government to reestablish itself as a system that values people and places that were once honored and respected, before foreign mindsets and influences infiltrated it,” he said.
for what they need and what they hope for,” Doctor Sparks said. “Children should be able to live, work and buy a house on Kauai.”
Luke Evslin The 33-year-old is a lifelong Kauai resident and graduate of Dom Acain Kauai High School and the UniverDom Acain of Kekaha was born sity of Hawaii. Evslin is the coon Kauai. “I was raised with anfounder and managing partner of cient values where caring for the Kamanu Composites, the Haland and resources to benefits Felicia Cowden waii-based outrigger canoe manuseven generations into the future Felicia Cowden, who worked for facturing company. He lives in is important, he said. “I believe in years as KKCR host, has an engiKapahi with his wife Sokchea and working collaboratively and form- neering background and has run a their daughter Finley. Evslin said ing strong partnerships to the small business as well as a school. he believes the major challenges benefit of all. She said she’s been involved with facing the island — housing costs, what’s been happening on Kauai traffic, economic insecurity, and Heather Kanoe Ahuna and now that her children are climate change — all have a comHeather Kanoe Ahuna is a Kapaa resident with experience in grown she has time to dedicate to mon root in how land is used and solving these issues. The most developed. He says there are no the fields of public and private instant solutions, but the County health and education. She worked concerning issue for Kauai, she said, is the displacement of peoCouncil can and should make dewith the Native Hawaiian health cisions that protect the island’s care system on Kauai. She gradu- ple. “I see that all kinds of good quality, wonderful people, that wild and agricultural areas while ated from the Leadership Kauai don’t have a place to be. A place revitalizing town cores. program in 2014. to go. Many people are struggling, Juno Apalla many people are just hanging on, Victoria Franks Franks is the music minister at Juno Ann Apalla ran for a seat especially and including our host King’s Chapel. She studied polition the Kauai County Council in culture and Hawaiian people. We 2016. She fell short, but isn’t givaren’t Hawaii, without Hawaiians. cal science and international relations for a time, and graduated ing up. Apalla said there are opThat is very near and dear to my from Blue Mountain College with a portunities to change the status heart,” she said. bachelor’s degree in music, she quo by paying attention to three Ted Daligdig III said. “Many people have asked me things: fiscal responsibility; the Ted Daligdig III is retired civil to run because they know I’m not emerging needs of the commudefense manager at the County of afraid to ask the hard questions nity; and how to encourage ecoKauai. and that I will listen to their connomic stability. The 30-year-old cerns and do my best to make said she supports initiatives to Billy De Costa enhance infrastructure, increase A vision for Kauai’s children to those things happen,” Franks housing stock, and connect towns accomplish their dreams on Kauai said. via safe, walkable and bikable is why Billy De Costa is running Richard Fukushima streets. for the Kauai County Council. The When he thinks of the future for lack of truly affordable housing is his grandchildren on Kauai, RichArthur Brun one of Kauai’s biggest issues, he ard Fukushima, 73, said the housCouncilman Arthur Brun said. As a councilmember, he said ing crisis here is unreal. “Most said,“It is an incredible privilege to serve the people of this island. he’d work with the island’s largest families work two jobs, husband developers to have land set aside and wife and they still can’t make We’ve done good work over the past year and half, but there is so for affordable housing. This is the it,” he said. As a veteran, third time the environmental reFukushima said issues regarding much left to accomplish. It is my source teacher with the state of the new generation of veterans on hope that I can continue to do good work for our community.” As Hawaii has run, but despite losing Kauai is a concern. People, the Kapaa man said, should stop comchair of the Council’s Community his first two races, he said he can’t give up the fight. plaining about the government Assistance &Veterans Services and take action by voting. Committee, Brun has focused on Norma Doctor Sparks tackling the critical issue of lack Shaylene Iseri Doctor Sparks said she will of affordable housing on Kauai. One of the reasons the Lihue “We desperately need more hous- work to achieve a transparent and woman said she’s running for ofaccountable government, a fising, but we also want to keep Kaucally responsible government, im- fice is so that her two children, ai’s rural landscape intact,” the and all keiki, can realize their proved services without loss of 46-year-old Brun said. services or personnel, protection dream of returning to Kauai after college. “We always talk about not Mason Chock of the environment and no new Councilman Mason Chock, 47, taxes. For most of her career, Doc- just surviving, but thriving and of Wailua. During the last four tor Sparks has focused on serving that’s kind of how I feel, that’s what I want to try to bring in the years Chock has served on the children and families. “I want to council, he said he’s been able to ensure that the children, youth, kind of experience I have, the lead by contributing stability to skills I have to make sure that I and families on Kauai are prothe council and county budget vided the support and resources did everything possible to make
the next generation be better than what we’ve had,” she said. Because of her experience as an attorney, having the ability to look at both sides of an issue allows her to see different perspectives. Iseri, 54, said she can bring this ability to the council. Ross Kagawa Councilman Ross Kagawa is a teacher and council vice chair. He was elected to the council in 2012 and reelected in 2014 and 2016. Arryl Kaneshio Councilman Arryl Kaneshio is a project manager with Grove Farm Company. He is committee chair of the Budget and Finance Committee and committee vice chair of the Public Works/Parks and Recreation Committee. He was elected to the council in 2014 and reelected in 2016. KipuKai Kualii Kuali‘i has a background in government, nonprofit and community. “I promise to bring a diversified viewpoint, strong financial background, Hawaiian values and a calm, productive energy to the council,” Kuali‘i said. “I’ll bring an experienced, level-headed, positive approach to collaborating with both public and private partners to develop and implement forward-thinking solutions to the county’s challenges.” Nelson Mukai Born and raised on Kauai, Nelspon Mukai graduated from Kapaa High School in 1982 and then went on to earn a business degree. For 27 years, he worked in the business field, until he went back to college as a non-traditional student, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Hawaii, Manoa. Cecilia Napohaku-Hoffman Cecilia Napohaku-Hoffman is a Kalaheo resident. Wally Nishimura Nishimura said he sees the struggle that those who make a lower income on Kauai face. In fact, he himself knows what it’s like to have to work several jobs because it’s something he had to do when he was younger. For that reason, he’s vowed not to raise taxes. Adam Roversi Kilauea resident Adam Roversi,
49, is a deputy county attorney for the County of Kauai in the office’s litigation division. “The entire reason I went to law school in the first place, which was a second career for me, was because I wanted to work to make Kauai a better place and preserve the parts of it that I think are important,” he said. Roy Saito For the 60-year-old, it’s about working together with a fresh approach. “It’s not government doing it, it’s everybody. We need to get out an communicate with the community, we need to ask them what they want, not have us tell them what they’re going to get,” he said. Over the years as the owner of Gold-Express Inc., a precious metals dealer, Saito said he has discussed many of Kauai’sissues with his customers and this time around, he simply couldn’t sit back and do nothing. Shirley Simbre-Medeiros For over 40 years, Shirley Simbre-Medeiros has called Kekaha home, but in that time, she said she has seen little change in some of the problems on the Westside. “I’ve been waiting for a moment like this so I can have a chance to help better serve the community,” Simbre-Medeiros said. “There’s a call for help.” Milo Spindt Milo Spindt, born in Lawai and now a Kalaheo resident. His past experiences as a state and county employee and as a private business owner can contribute positively to the decision-making process at the County Council, Spindt Said. “It is also my hope that we can continue to work with the public, our state Legislature, and private industry to find solutions that work for our community,” he said. Harold Vidinha Kekaha resident and retired Army Ranger Harold Vidinha said people discuss problems among themselves, but nothing ever happens to bring forth change. “I believe you don’t criticize without a solution,” the 66-year- old said. It’s important for the government and the community to take care of what we have, such as Kauai’s neighborhood centers and parks, he said. “These are things that are fixable now,” Vidinha said.
12 • Sunday, July 29, 2018
THE GARDEN ISLAND
thegardenisland.com
I care passionately about Hawai‘i and our people. And I am ready to take on the challenges we face for our future. I made my decision to run for Governor after thinking long and hard about Hawai‘i’s future. About how we as a community envision our home, not just in 2018, but in the years and decades ahead. And the progress we are actually making. To become the Hawai‘i we want to be, and to preserve the best of what we have, I believe that we must dramatically increase our efforts to do more. To expand affordable housing, reduce homelessness, improve education, hire more teachers, and repair our broken highways, airports and harbors. We need to make our Islands more affordable for our young people, so that they can stay here at home and raise their families. We must also manage your precious tax dollars more wisely, and not let state spending go unchecked and unaccounted for, as we have seen with rail.
I understand that some may call me critical, even tough, but we simply have to face the fact that the status quo is not nearly good enough. Not for today’s generations, and certainly not for tomorrow’s. We must work to do better, because Hawai‘i deserves better. This is why I’m coming home. This is why I’m running for governor. I’ve always tried to earn your trust through my hard work and results, at the Legislature and in Congress. That promise to you has not changed. I will give you everything I’ve got to protect and improve this very special place we all call home. I thank you all for this opportunity, and I humbly ask you for your vote.
A P R OV E N R E CO R D O F L E A D E R S H I P Learn more at HanabusaForGovernor.com Paid for by Hanabusa For Governor, P.O. Box 2234, Honolulu, HI 96804