Dee Morikawa
State House District 17
Position Running For
State House District 17
What area(s) of the Island do you call home?
Waimea
What is your vision for a thriving agricultural sector on Kauai and how can the State support that vision?
Getting farmers on land that has access to water, a processing facility to get products out to market and assistance to ship to other islands. The State Legislature is already prioritizing agriculture by land acquisition, funding for food hubs and irrigation improvements.
If elected, how would you engage with the business community prior to your decision-making?
It is critical to work with our business communities at every step of a legislation. The system is in place to allow all advocates the opportunity to voice concerns, support and comments to make legislation better. Elected officials don’t know everything, so listening and collaborating with the business community is helpful and that’s how we develop solid legislation.
How would you help ensure that working middle class residents can afford to buy or rent a home on Kauaʻi?
This is already a very high priority at the legislature.. Reducing taxes, assisting with childcare, getting children into preschool, rental subsidies, and increased inventories will help with this initiative. We must continue funding housing legislation.
How would you effectively manage budget and operations compared to the past?
With the change of the House Finance Chairmanship, Speaker Nakamura has created a new style of budgeting. Chair Chris Todd has begun a more transparent and collaborative process which allows better communication with all branches of government and includes input from all members of the House of Representatives.
What specific ideas do you have about economic diversification and how would you develop these areas?
I believe District 17 is already diversifying economic growth. Business is thriving with the growth of visitors to South/West Kauai. We are producing agricultural products through farming, and assisting with many irrigation repairs. Keeping our natural resources maintained and protected is an on-going priority.
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?
State facilities in District 17 have been properly funded and maintained. We continue to work on cesspool conversions for many state park’s restroom facilities, but this will take time. Flashing crosswalks are placed in many critical areas on State highways, our bridges are in great shape and the start of highway widening from Lihue to Maluhia Tree tunnel has begun. Wastewater issues are a County problem, but the State can help when a plan is in place.
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?
Wre recently passed a bill, signed into law which will allow community based organizations to be stewards of culturally sensitive areas, similar to what has been accomplished in Haena and Kee Beach Parks. The new Green Fee policy, also recently put into law, will generate major funding for protection of natural resources, fire mitigation efforts and many other important environmental concerns.
What is your solution to best manage solid waste on Kauaʻi? Please include your views on recycling, landfill site, source reduction, and other strategies.
This is also a County issue, but the State can assist with policies to help with recycling initiatives. We cannot be burying our trash, we must look into waste to energy options and definitely source reduction and recycling.
As an elected official, what steps would you take to mitigate the impacts of climate change on Kauaʻi?
Erosion is a huge problem. On west Kauai we know how the loss of sand due to the design the Kikiaola Boat Harbor and the constant high surf and currents, shift the movement of sand, so we have funded the replenishment of sand on this coastal area. The Northshore of Oahu has shown us how allowing structures close to shorelines need to stop. Wildfire mitigation is a priority and consistent funding is needed. We need to harden new school facilities that are capable of becoming shelters.
What else would you like to share with the business community?
My 16 years at the Legislature may seem like too long for many, but I continue to run for office, because I feel that I am an effective and trusted legislator. My whole career has been in public service. Loving my position and what I can do to help people, our island and the State, makes me want to be present. Perfect attendance at every legislative session, being present at committee hearings, and serving as a leader and mentor are the most satisfying moments of my life. Kauai has a very strong legislative team and I am proud to be a part of it It is ny hope that I can continue working for you.