Position Running For

Kauai County Council

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

Lawai and Kekaha

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

A strong agricultural sector is vital to Kauaʻi’s economy, food security, and way of life. Agriculture supports local businesses, creates jobs, preserves open space, and strengthens our island’s resilience.

As someone with firsthand experience in ranching and agricultural operations, I understand the challenges our farmers and ranchers face. The County should focus on removing unnecessary barriers, improving access to water, investing in agricultural infrastructure, protecting productive agricultural lands, and supporting policies that encourage active farming and ranching.

I also believe we need to review outdated regulations so they reflect today’s agricultural practices while expanding apprenticeships and agricultural education to support the next generation.

When agriculture succeeds, Kauaʻi becomes stronger, more self-sufficient, and better prepared for the future.

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

I believe the best decisions are made by listening first. Before making major policy decisions, I would meet with local businesses, industry leaders, nonprofit organizations, community groups, and residents to understand how proposed actions will affect them. The business community is an important partner in Kauaʻi’s success, and their experience can help identify practical solutions and unintended consequences before decisions are made.

Communication should not begin after legislation is drafted. It should begin during the planning process. I believe in being accessible, asking questions, and making informed decisions based on facts, community input, and long-term benefits for Kauaʻi.

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 the biggest challenges facing our island. We need to increase housing opportunities for local residents by encouraging workforce and attainable housing while improving the permitting process so projects move forward more efficiently.

I also believe we need to invest in infrastructure that supports housing, including wastewater, roads, and water systems. The County should continue working with private developers, nonprofit organizations, DHHL, and state agencies to identify opportunities that expand homeownership while preserving the unique character of our communities.

Housing solutions require collaboration, responsible planning, and a long-term commitment—not one single solution.

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

Every taxpayer dollar should be spent responsibly and transparently. I believe in evaluating County programs based on measurable results, setting priorities, and ensuring projects stay on schedule and within budget whenever possible.

Long-term planning is essential. Delaying infrastructure projects often increases costs for taxpayers. I support improving project management, increasing transparency, and regularly communicating project status so the public understands where their tax dollars are being invested.

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

Kauaʻi’s economy should continue expanding beyond tourism by supporting agriculture, construction, healthcare, renewable energy, technology, small businesses, and skilled trades.

I support strengthening workforce development through apprenticeships, vocational education, and partnerships with local businesses. Investing in local entrepreneurs and creating opportunities for young people to build careers on Kauaʻi helps strengthen our economy while reducing our dependence on any single industry.

Economic diversification creates resilience and provides greater opportunities for future generations.

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?

My highest priorities include wastewater infrastructure, roads, bridges, drainage, parks, public facilities, and long-term solid waste planning.

Infrastructure projects require consistent leadership, accountability, and realistic timelines. I support improving coordination between County, State, and federal agencies while keeping the public informed throughout the process. We also need to pursue available grants and funding opportunities whenever possible while ensuring projects are managed efficiently from planning through completion.

Investing in infrastructure today prevents larger costs 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 remains an important part of Kauaʻi’s economy and supports many local jobs and businesses. At the same time, we must balance visitor activity with the quality of life for residents and the protection of our natural and cultural resources.

This requires responsible planning, infrastructure investments, visitor education, and ongoing collaboration with residents, businesses, and the visitor industry. A well-managed visitor industry benefits everyone when it is balanced with community needs.

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

Kauaʻi needs a comprehensive, long-term solid waste strategy rather than continuing to rely on temporary solutions.

I support expanding recycling, composting, green waste diversion, and source reduction while investing in resource recovery technologies that reduce the amount of material requiring landfill disposal. At the same time, we must responsibly plan for future landfill capacity based on sound science, environmental protection, and community input.

Solid waste planning should look decades ahead, not just a few years. We owe future generations a sustainable system that protects both public health and our environment.

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

Preparing for the impacts of climate change means making smart investments in resilient infrastructure. My priorities include modernizing wastewater facilities, improving drainage systems, protecting drinking water resources, strengthening roads and bridges, and incorporating long-term planning into future public projects.

Protecting agricultural lands, encouraging responsible land management, and improving emergency preparedness are also important. We must make decisions today that improve Kauaʻi’s resilience while remaining fiscally responsible.

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

I appreciate the important role our business community plays in supporting Kauaʻi’s economy, creating jobs, and serving our residents.

My commitment is to listen, be accessible, and make thoughtful decisions based on facts, collaboration, and what’s best for the island. I believe government works best when it is transparent, accountable, and responsive.

Together, we can strengthen our economy, improve infrastructure, support local businesses, and preserve the qualities that make Kauaʻi such a special place to live and work.