Margaret Rose Mejia
Lieutenant Governor
Position Running For
Lieutenant Governor
What area(s) of the Island do you call home?
Oʻahu
What is your vision for a thriving agricultural sector on Kauai and how can the State support that vision?
I envision a Kaua’i where farmers can lease the land for at least 10 years (versus 5 years), so that they can make a profit and that they will be able to buy land that is affordable. I would continue the program at GoFarm Hawai’i and support all Kaua’i farmers by helping them access water for their farms. I will also make the Ferry accessible for the Agricultural community to do business with the Neighbor Islands, and/or pick up supplies on O’ahu, if needed.
If elected, how would you engage with the business community prior to your decision-making?
I have already started engaging with the business community on Kaua’i, and I will continue to do so. When I am elected, I will continue with Town Hall Meetings and maintain communication by appointing some of the business leaders on Kaua’i as liaisons to our administration, so that we will be regularly updated on the business climate on Kaua’i.
How would you help ensure that working middle class residents can afford to buy or rent a home on Kauaʻi?
Statewide, our administration is committed to building 15,000 new homes that are not $1.1 million dollars, rather between $400,000 – $600,000…more affordable than the ones that are selling for market price, now. The land to build these homes, is on every Island, including Kaua’i. Also, for kupuna (age 65+), we will freeze their property tax, so they don’t get priced out of their home while on retirement. For the Native Hawaiians, we will turn the leasehold to fee simple ownership because they should own and not lease their homes. We will also lower the cost of living by removing the General Excise Tax from groceries, and medications (prescriptions and over the counter drugs). I will also collaborate with Brenton Awa and others at the Federal level to ensure that our land is not purchased by foreigners, and that the locals get priority when purchasing a home and/or land in Hawai’i.
How would you effectively manage budget and operations compared to the past?
Every department in the state needs to be audited but not by the Governor-appointed Attorney General or others in our state. I support an out-of-state audit. We already know that there is corruption, and, in some departments, we know exactly where the corruption is. However, it needs to be spelled out in an out-of-state audit. I will also strive to eliminate duplicate services so that taxpayer dollars are not spent twice on the same thing. I will also make sure the departments stay within their budgets.
What specific ideas do you have about economic diversification and how would you develop these areas?
As far as agriculture, I like the idea of growing cacao, coffee, macadamia nuts and other crops that thrive in Hawai’i. I also believe that we can expand tourism in Hawai’i and the people who work in the tourism industry have the best ideas for expansion. For Kaua’i, I have some ideas that will bring more money to the Island. Come hear me speak and you can find out more information about my plans for our beautiful State of Hawai’i.
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?
The yearly budget covers these items. However, the legislators on Kaua’i don’t always have the people’s best interest in mind. Instead, they have been passing bills that don’t benefit the people of Kaua’i. Hopefully, the people of Kaua’i will elect legislators who will stand up for the people’s best interest. Then, we can work together to get quite a bit done on Kaua’i. It is a team effort, and Kaua’i legislators have to be on board. I will leave that to you when you vote on August 8, 2026, and November 3, 2026.
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?
First, if we want more visitors to Hawai’i, Kaua’i in this case, we need to stop taxing the heck out of them. Visitors can get the same service and similar beaches in many different countries. If we want them to visit Kaua’i, we need to show them that Kaua’i is unique and more beautiful than any place on their list. We need to add more state rubbish cans & recycling receptacles in various places so that the visitors don’t litter and signage so that they will be aware of our ‘Āina and how to take care of it. Our environmental preservation team leader will address all 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.
First of all, Kaua’i NEEDS diversion practices! It is irresponsible to only have a black bin. Kaua’i residents need a blue bin and a green bin. This is common sense. Second, the Kekaha Landfill is emitting toxins and needs leachate control engineering. I am also sure that the membrane under the landfill needs to be maintained or replaced.
As an elected official, what steps would you take to mitigate the impacts of climate change on Kauaʻi?
I have an environmental preservation team leader who will make specific recommendations to me regarding the environment on Kaua’i, and all the Islands.
What else would you like to share with the business community?
I have been a business owner since 1988, so I know the struggles of running a business in Hawai’i. One of my goals is to keep the small businesses in Hawai’i thriving with the support they need, because small businesses are the backbone of our economy. Right now, Hawai’i ranks 48 out of 50 for being business-friendly. I want that to change. I would like to remove barriers for small business ownership and lower taxes. We need to promote small businesses in Hawai’i and bring up those statistics. I look forward to meeting each one of you and listening to you.