Position Running For

Kauai County Mayor

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

Wailua, Kauai

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

My vision for a thriving agricultural sector on Kauaʻi is one that strengthens food security, creates local jobs, preserves our rural character, and keeps agricultural lands in productive use.

The County can support this vision by protecting farmland, improving infrastructure, streamlining permitting processes, and working directly with farmers and ranchers to address challenges. We should also encourage local food production, value-added agriculture, and educational opportunities that inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders.

Access to water, transportation, and markets remains critical to the success of our agricultural community. By investing in these areas and supporting innovation, we can help local producers grow and succeed.

Agriculture is more than an industry—it is an important part of Kauaʻi’s culture, economy, and future. A strong agricultural sector increases our self-sufficiency, diversifies our economy, and makes our island more resilient for generations to come.

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

If elected Mayor, I will maintain an open-door policy and actively engage with the business community before making decisions that affect them. Businesses of all sizes—from small family-owned operations to larger employers—play a vital role in Kauaʻi’s economy and deserve a seat at the table.

I believe the best decisions are made when all stakeholders are heard. I will regularly meet with business organizations, industry representatives, nonprofit groups, labor leaders, and community members to gather input, identify potential impacts, and explore solutions. I also plan to create opportunities for direct communication through town halls, listening sessions, and advisory groups focused on key issues such as housing, infrastructure, workforce development, permitting, and economic diversification.

Engagement does not mean every request will be granted, but it does mean every perspective will be considered. My commitment is to make informed, balanced decisions that support economic opportunity while protecting the quality of life, environment, and values that make Kauaʻi unique.

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 biggest challenges. To help working families buy or rent a home, we must increase housing opportunities while protecting our communities.

I support streamlining the permitting process to reduce delays and costs, expanding workforce and affordable housing, and enforcing laws against illegal vacation rentals that remove homes from the long-term rental market.

We should also pursue public-private partnerships, invest in infrastructure that supports appropriate housing development, and encourage projects that prioritize local residents over outside investors.

My goal is simple: ensure that teachers, police officers, firefighters, healthcare workers, and local families can afford to live and build their future on Kauaʻi.

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

Effective budget and operational management begins with establishing clear priorities and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are directed toward the services and infrastructure that matter most to our residents. As Mayor, I will reassess existing programs, projects, and spending commitments to determine whether they are delivering measurable value to the community.

I believe government must be willing to adjust when circumstances change. That means regularly evaluating departmental performance, identifying inefficiencies, and reallocating resources to address our most pressing needs, including infrastructure, public safety, housing, wastewater, and solid waste management.

I will also promote greater accountability through performance metrics, transparent reporting, and stronger financial oversight. By focusing on outcomes rather than simply maintaining the status quo, we can improve county operations while being responsible stewards of public funds.

My goal is to build a government that is efficient, responsive, and aligned with the priorities of the people of Kauaʻi.

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

Economic diversification is critical to creating more local jobs and reducing our reliance on tourism. I believe our Economic Development Agency should play a larger role in expanding opportunities in both agriculture and the film industry.

In agriculture, we should support local farmers, encourage value-added agricultural products, and help strengthen the connection between local production and local consumption.

In the film industry, Kauaʻi has long been a sought-after filming location, but we need to do more to ensure local residents benefit from these productions. I want to focus on developing and utilizing local talent whenever possible—from actors and crew members to tradespeople, caterers, transportation providers, and other support services. By partnering with schools, training programs, and industry professionals, we can create pathways for local residents to build careers in film production.

My goal is to keep more of the economic benefits generated by these industries here on Kauaʻi while creating quality jobs and opportunities for our residents.

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 top infrastructure priorities are solid waste, wastewater, roads and bridges, water infrastructure, and public safety facilities. These are critical investments that affect our quality of life, environmental health, and economic future.

To keep projects moving, I will focus on accountability, planning, and execution. As Mayor, I will require clear timelines, regular progress updates, and greater coordination among departments to reduce delays and keep projects on track.

I will also work to maximize state and federal funding opportunities while improving the efficiency of permitting and procurement processes. Capital improvement planning must be realistic, transparent, and focused on delivering results.

Kauaʻi faces significant challenges, including aging wastewater facilities, transportation needs, and the looming landfill crisis. We need leadership that is willing to make tough decisions, prioritize essential infrastructure, and ensure projects are completed efficiently and responsibly for the benefit of current and future generations.

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?

My vision for visitor industry management is to balance economic benefits with the protection of Kauaʻi’s environment, culture, and quality of life.

Tourism is a vital part of our economy, supporting jobs, local businesses, and county services. At the same time, we must address its impacts on infrastructure, natural resources, and our communities.

As Mayor, I would support data-driven policies that measure both the benefits and impacts of tourism. Visitor-generated revenues should be invested in infrastructure, public safety, parks, beaches, and environmental protection. I also believe residents, businesses, and community stakeholders must have a meaningful voice in tourism-related decisions.

By promoting responsible tourism and ensuring that growth remains sustainable, we can protect what makes Kauaʻi special while maintaining a strong economy that benefits both residents and visitors.

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

My approach to solid waste management is simple: keep as much material as possible out of the landfill. The most effective way to do that is through a comprehensive curbside recycling program that makes recycling convenient and accessible for every household.

With limited landfill capacity, Kauaʻi must focus on waste diversion through recycling, composting, source reduction, and public education. Expanding recycling opportunities will reduce landfill use, extend the life of existing facilities, and promote environmental stewardship.

I am also open to evaluating emerging technologies and other waste-management strategies, provided they are environmentally responsible, financially sound, and support—not replace—aggressive recycling efforts.

Our long-term success depends on reducing waste at its source, increasing recycling participation, and making smart investments that create a sustainable and affordable solid waste system for Kauaʻi.

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

Climate change is already impacting Kauaʻi through coastal erosion, flooding, sea level rise, and threats to our water resources and infrastructure. As an elected official, I would focus on practical solutions that protect our residents and preserve our island for future generations.

My priorities include investing in resilient infrastructure, protecting watersheds and native forests, improving emergency preparedness, and ensuring critical facilities are built or upgraded with future climate impacts in mind. I also support responsible land-use planning that reduces risks to communities while protecting natural and cultural resources.

Climate action must be balanced with economic realities. We should pursue cost-effective strategies that deliver measurable results and work collaboratively with state and federal partners, local organizations, and our community. By planning ahead and making smart investments today, we can strengthen Kauaʻi’s resilience and safeguard our environment, economy, and quality of life for generations to come.

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

Kauaʻi’s business community is a vital partner in building a stronger future for our island. As someone who has operated businesses, served in law enforcement, served in the military, and spent nearly two decades on the County Council, I understand both the challenges and opportunities facing local employers.

If elected Mayor, I will focus on creating a more responsive and efficient county government that works with businesses, not against them. That means improving communication, streamlining permitting processes where possible, investing in critical infrastructure, and ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely.

I believe economic growth and preserving Kauaʻi’s unique character can go hand in hand. We must support local entrepreneurs, encourage workforce development, and create opportunities that allow our residents to live, work, and raise families here.

Most importantly, I will always be accessible and willing to listen. Good government starts with collaboration, and the best solutions come when we bring people together to solve problems. I look forward to working alongside our business community to keep Kauaʻi thriving for future generations.