Position Running For

Mayor

What area(s) of the Island do you call home?

Wailua Homesteads

What is your vision for a thriving agricultural sector on Kauai and how can the County support that vision?

My vision is for Kauaʻi to become Hawaiʻi’s leader in agricultural innovation and food security, where farming and ranching are profitable, respected careers, and traditional agriculture works alongside emerging technologies.

As Mayor, I will bring together the County, State, farmers, ranchers, landowners, educators, and community partners to modernize irrigation, streamline permitting, expand grants and technical assistance, and invest in food processing, distribution, and local marketplaces.

We must support today’s farmers while embracing aquaponics, hydroponics, regenerative agriculture, agroforestry, greenhouse production, aquaculture, and other innovations that increase production and inspire the next generation of agricultural entrepreneurs.

I will expand Farm-to-School and Farm-to-County programs, strengthen partnerships with Kauaʻi Community College, improve water security through modern irrigation, water storage, watershed protection, and responsible use of R-1 water, while strengthening the “Grown on Kauaʻi” brand and exploring local meat processing.

Agriculture is our heritage, economy, food security, and future.

If elected, how would you engage with the business community prior to your decision-making?

A strong economy begins with trust, partnership, and listening. Businesses deserve a seat at the table before decisions are made, not after.

As Mayor, I will maintain an open-door policy and regularly meet with small businesses, nonprofits, farmers, ranchers, contractors, tourism partners, the Chamber of Commerce, and local entrepreneurs. I will also hold regular business roundtables because the best solutions come through collaboration.

My administration will support a Kauaʻi-first economy by streamlining permitting, reducing unnecessary barriers, encouraging entrepreneurship, and creating opportunities that keep more jobs, investment, and local dollars on our island.

We will evaluate the economic impact of major decisions, remain transparent, and hold ourselves accountable for measurable results.

Government should be a partner, not an obstacle. By working together, we can strengthen our economy, support local businesses, create quality jobs, and keep Kauaʻi affordable while protecting the values that make our island special.

How would you help ensure that working middle class residents can afford to buy or rent a home on Kauaʻi?

Housing affordability is one of Kauaʻi’s greatest challenges. My goal is simple: if you work on Kauaʻi, you should be able to afford to live on Kauaʻi.

As Mayor, I will increase housing opportunities by streamlining permitting, investing in infrastructure, strengthening public-private partnerships, and strategically using County-owned lands. I will work with the State, nonprofits, developers, employers, and community organizations to accelerate workforce and affordable housing.

We must also address Kauaʻi’s “missing middle” by expanding Tier 2 workforce and gap housing, first-time homebuyer assistance, and other pathways to homeownership. I will establish a Kauaʻi Housing Action Partnership to unite government, business, labor, financial institutions, and community leaders to remove barriers and deliver long-term solutions.

I also support thoughtfully designed ADUs that help multigenerational families, kūpuna, and local residents remain on Kauaʻi while encouraging innovative construction methods that lower costs without sacrificing quality.

How would you effectively manage budget and operations compared to the past?

Effective budgeting is about making smart investments that improve quality of life while protecting taxpayers and preparing for the future.

During my ten years as Mayor, we maintained balanced budgets, strengthened the County’s financial position, built healthy reserves, secured millions in state and federal funding, and invested in roads, parks, housing, wastewater, public safety, and infrastructure that continue benefiting Kauaʻi today.

As Mayor again, I will build on that proven record through disciplined, results-driven leadership. Every department will improve efficiency, measure performance, and demonstrate value for every taxpayer dollar. We will use performance-based budgeting, streamline permitting and procurement, expand digital government services, pursue outside funding, strengthen partnerships, and invest in preventive maintenance to reduce long-term costs.

Transparency and accountability will guide every decision because taxpayers deserve to know how their money is spent and the results it achieves.

What specific ideas do you have about economic diversification and how would you develop these areas?

A strong economy is built on diversity, not dependence on a single industry. My vision is a resilient, Kauaʻi-first economy where local businesses thrive and our children can build successful careers without leaving home.

We must strengthen agriculture, renewable energy, healthcare, construction, skilled trades, technology, manufacturing, the blue economy, the creative economy, small businesses, and responsible tourism.

As Mayor, I will make government a partner by streamlining permitting, reducing unnecessary delays, expanding workforce training, supporting entrepreneurship, and improving access to capital.

We will invest in agriculture, food processing, value-added products, renewable energy, broadband, and partnerships with Kauaʻi Community College, our schools, and the private sector while expanding apprenticeships, internships, and career pathways. We will also explore opportunities in aquaculture, marine science, sustainable fisheries, and conservation.

Economic diversification creates quality jobs, strengthens food and energy security, and builds a more affordable and resilient Kauaʻi.

What are your priorities for infrastructure investment? How would you ensure that planned infrastructure projects (roads, wastewater, facilities, bridges, etc.) on Kauai move forward in a timely manner?

Infrastructure is the foundation of a safe, strong, and resilient Kauaʻi. Smart investments improve public safety, support housing, strengthen our economy, and enhance quality of life.

During my ten years as Mayor, we improved roads, bridges, parks, wastewater systems, flood control, the Ke Ala Hele Makālae coastal path, and County facilities while securing millions in state and federal funding.

As Mayor again, I will prioritize safer roads and bridges, reliable water and wastewater systems, improved drainage, shoreline resilience, Complete Streets, housing infrastructure, broadband, parks, and modern public facilities.

My administration will plan projects early, complete designs before construction, establish clear timelines, aggressively pursue outside funding, strengthen partnerships, streamline project delivery, and provide regular public updates.

Preventive maintenance saves taxpayers money and prevents costly repairs tomorrow.

What is your vision for effective management of the visitor industry so that economic goals are met while ensuring community and environmental concerns are addressed?

Tourism is essential to Kauaʻi’s economy, but it must always work for our residents. My vision is a balanced approach where tourism supports local businesses, protects our environment and culture, and improves residents’ quality of life.

As Mayor, I will work with the State, Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority, businesses, cultural practitioners, nonprofits, and our communities to advance responsible destination management shaped by local input.

Visitor-generated revenue should be reinvested into parks, beaches, trails, roads, public safety, cultural resources, and our natural environment.

My administration will strengthen infrastructure, improve transportation, expand visitor education, and use data to better manage impacts.

Success should be measured by residents’ quality of life while sustaining our economy and way of life.

What is your solution to best manage solid waste on Kauaʻi? Please include your views on recycling, landfill site, source reduction, and other strategies.

Responsible leadership means planning today for Kauaʻi’s future. Solid waste is one of our island’s greatest long-term challenges.

During my administration, we began planning for Kauaʻi’s future waste needs, including siting the Maʻalo area as a potential long-term landfill site. That work should continue through sound science, environmental review, cultural stewardship, and meaningful community engagement.

We must reduce waste, recover resources, and extend the life of Kekaha through expanded recycling, composting, green waste diversion, food waste recovery, and construction material recycling.

I also support developing a modern Resource Recovery Park, exploring innovative waste technologies, pursuing outside funding, and partnering with businesses, schools, hotels, and our communities to protect our ʻāina.

As an elected official, what steps would you take to mitigate the impacts of climate change on Kauaʻi?

Climate resilience means protecting Kauaʻi’s people, natural resources, infrastructure, and economy while preparing for future challenges.

Every community has different needs. We will continue investing in flood mitigation, stream restoration, coastal erosion solutions, shoreline protection, resilient infrastructure, transportation, wastewater improvements, drought resilience, water security, and agricultural sustainability.

My administration will continue investing in renewable energy, watershed protection, native forest restoration, water conservation, emergency preparedness, and resilient infrastructure while working with farmers, businesses, cultural practitioners, and community organizations.

Preparing today protects public safety, strengthens food and water security, supports our economy, and preserves the natural beauty and cultural heritage that define Kauaʻi.

What else would you like to share with the business community?

My door will always be open. Government should be a partner, not a barrier. When local businesses succeed, our families, communities, and economy succeed.

I remain committed to building strong partnerships with the Kauaʻi Chamber of Commerce and our business community.

As Mayor, I will listen first and work with business leaders to improve permitting, reduce delays, strengthen workforce development, support entrepreneurs, encourage innovation, and build a more resilient, diversified Kauaʻi economy.

My administration will be transparent, accountable, and responsive, giving employers confidence to invest, expand, and create opportunities while protecting the values, culture, and environment that make Kauaʻi unique.

Together, we can build an economy where businesses thrive, and future generations can succeed on Kauaʻi.

100 YEARS FROM NOW…

Our future ‘ohana will thank us for caring for Kaua’i the right way. They will be proud and honored to continue our legacy of stewardship for our people, place, and culture!