Paul Noboru Applegate
Kauai County Council
Position Running For
Kauai County Council
What area(s) of the Island do you call home?
Primarily Koloa and Waimea
What is your vision for a thriving agricultural sector on Kauai and how can the County support that vision?
Agriculture is critical to Kauaʻi’s future. We should strengthen food security by supporting local farmers, improving access to agricultural lands, protecting water resources, and investing in infrastructure that helps farmers get products to market. The County can streamline permitting, support farm worker housing, encourage agricultural education, and partner with state and private organizations to expand opportunities. My goal is to increase local food production, reduce our dependence on imports, and create sustainable agricultural careers for future generations.
If elected, how would you engage with the business community prior to your decision-making?
Good decisions start with listening. I would regularly meet with business owners, employees, industry groups, labor organizations, and community stakeholders before major votes. As a former police captain, I learned that the best solutions come from collaboration and understanding different perspectives. I will maintain an open-door policy, attend community meetings, and seek input early in the process so decisions are practical, balanced, and informed by those directly affected.
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 our greatest challenges. We need more workforce and affordable housing, stronger enforcement against illegal vacation rentals, and policies that encourage housing for local families. I support public-private partnerships, infrastructure investments that support workforce housing projects, and incentives for developments that prioritize residents. We must also explore innovative housing options and reduce unnecessary delays that drive up costs while maintaining responsible community planning.
How would you effectively manage budget and operations compared to the past?
I believe in fiscal responsibility, accountability, and measurable results. Throughout my career managing public safety operations and emergency responses, I learned the importance of prioritizing essential services and tracking outcomes. I would ask tough questions, review spending carefully, support performance-based budgeting, and ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently. Government should focus on core services, long-term planning, and transparent decision-making.
What specific ideas do you have about economic diversification and how would you develop these areas?
Kauaʻi cannot rely solely on tourism. We should expand opportunities in agriculture, renewable energy, technology, healthcare, construction trades, and small business development. Supporting local entrepreneurs, workforce training programs, and career pathways for young residents will strengthen our economy. Diversification improves resilience, creates higher-paying jobs, and helps keep local families on Kauaʻi.
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 priorities include wastewater and sewer improvements, roads, bridges, water systems, solid waste solutions, and public safety infrastructure. Too many projects face delays due to bureaucracy and lack of coordination. I would advocate for stronger project oversight, regular progress reporting, and better coordination between County, State, and federal agencies. We need to move projects from planning to construction more efficiently while maintaining accountability.
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 a major part of our economy, but it must be managed responsibly. We need to protect natural resources, preserve community character, and ensure tourism benefits residents. This includes enforcing existing regulations, supporting destination management efforts, investing visitor-generated revenues into infrastructure and environmental protection, and balancing economic benefits with quality of life for local families.
What is your solution to best manage solid waste on Kauaʻi? Please include your views on recycling, landfill site, source reduction, and other strategies.
There is no single solution. We need a comprehensive approach that includes source reduction, increased recycling, composting, public education, and development of long-term landfill capacity. We should continue exploring new technologies and regional partnerships while reducing the amount of waste entering the landfill. Responsible planning today will help prevent a future waste crisis.
As an elected official, what steps would you take to mitigate the impacts of climate change on Kauaʻi?
Kauaʻi has already experienced the impacts of flooding, storms, erosion, and sea level rise. As Incident Commander during major disasters, I understand the importance of preparation. We must invest in resilient infrastructure, improve emergency preparedness, protect watersheds, support renewable energy initiatives, and strengthen shoreline and flood mitigation efforts. Climate resilience must be incorporated into all major planning decisions.
What else would you like to share with the business community?
I believe strong communities require strong partnerships between government, businesses, workers, and residents. My career has been built on service, leadership, and accountability. I will bring practical experience, common-sense decision-making, and a commitment to listening. My focus will always be on improving quality of life, supporting economic opportunity, and ensuring Kauaʻi remains a place where future generations can live, work, and thrive.