Chad Schimmelfennig
State House of Representatives, District 17
Position Running For
State House of Representatives, District 17
What area(s) of the Island do you call home?
Hanapepe
What is your vision for a thriving agricultural sector on Kauai and how can the State support that vision?
For me, the best way to support and invest in the growth of a thriving agriculture industry is to invest in our local organizations that educate our youth in agriculture. It is through early investment in our youth that we can inevitably create a more sustainable future for our agriculture.
If elected, how would you engage with the business community prior to your decision-making?
As a small business owner, I believe one of the best ways to engage with the business community is by becoming actively involved in our local business associations. Through networking and meaningful engagement with fellow business owners, we create opportunities to listen to concerns, exchange ideas, and promote collaboration. Those conversations and relationships provide valuable insight that can help guide informed decision-making.
How would you help ensure that working middle class residents can afford to buy or rent a home on Kauaʻi?
The cost of housing is a statewide issue, and there is no single solution. With that in mind, my approach would be to support solutions that involve government, the private sector, and local community stakeholders working together.
How would you effectively manage budget and operations compared to the past?
I am not able to speak to how the budget was managed in the past through state legislation, nor am I familiar with the process in its entirety at the state level. However, I approach any budgetary process with a slow and methodical mindset, taking the time to carefully evaluate priorities, review needs, and make thoughtful decisions that support effective operations and responsible use of resources.
What specific ideas do you have about economic diversification and how would you develop these areas?
Economic diversification requires practical, community-driven solutions built through thoughtful engagement and understanding. As a State Representative, my role is to listen to my constituents, advocate for their needs, and set aside personal agendas. I strongly support strengthening local industries by investing in locally made finished products, supporting sustainable agriculture, and creating opportunities that keep more economic value within our communities.
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?
First we need to look at the current priorities within our district and take a practical approach to resolving the issues while addressing community recommendations. Through the budgetary process at the legislature, we are able to prioritize infrastructure projects within our district and help move projects like roads, wastewater systems, facilities, and bridges forward in a timely manner.
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?
The state legislature doesn’t directly manage the visitor industry, but it does shape it through policy, funding, and oversight of agencies like the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority. My focus would be ensuring tourism is aligned with the needs of our communities and the carrying capacity of our environment, not just visitor numbers, but impacts on housing, traffic, water, and quality 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.
As a state representative, it is our responsibility to collaborate with community members and county administration to develop solutions that meet both community needs and environmental and ecological priorities. Rather than offering a fixed, opinionated solution to an issue that has persisted across multiple administrations, I would focus on gathering input, reviewing existing data, and working with stakeholders to continue making steady, forward progress on solid waste management for Kauaʻi.
As an elected official, what steps would you take to mitigate the impacts of climate change on Kauaʻi?
As an elected official, I believe leaders should be honest about what they know and what they still need to learn about climate change. Kauaʻi is already seeing real impacts such as erosion, flooding, and wildfires and we need to respond with urgency. My approach is to rely on research and scientific expertise, while also elevating the voices of our community members who hold generational knowledge of these land changes. Together, that combination will guide practical, informed action to protect our island.
What else would you like to share with the business community?
As an educator, cultural practitioner, and generational son of Kauaʻi, I believe in the wisdom of our ike kūpuna that when we take care of the land, the land takes care of the people. That principle should guide our decisions not only in culture, but also in development, education, and housing.