Position Running For

Kauai County Council

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

Kapaa and Kilauea

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

My vision is an agricultural sector that is locally driven, economically sustainable, and capable of feeding more of our community. Agriculture is not only part of our heritage—it is critical to our future food security and economic resilience.

Government’s role should be to support, not hinder, our farmers. The County and State can help by reducing unnecessary regulations, streamlining permitting, improving infrastructure, protecting agricultural lands, and expanding opportunities for local farmers to bring their products directly to market. By empowering farmers and encouraging innovation, we can strengthen Kauaʻi’s agricultural future

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

I believe those most affected by government decisions should have a voice before those decisions are made.

Small businesses are the backbone of Kauaʻi’s economy and create jobs that support local families. I will regularly meet with business owners, industry leaders, and community members to understand challenges and opportunities before considering new policies. My goal is to ensure government serves as a partner—not an obstacle—to those creating jobs and investing in our community.

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 most important issues facing local families today. As a real estate professional with over 15 years of experience, I understand many of the barriers that drive costs higher.

I support reducing unnecessary fees, streamlining permitting, encouraging workforce housing, and removing regulatory obstacles that increase construction costs. We must focus on practical solutions that increase housing opportunities while respecting property rights and preserving the character of our communities. More local families should have a realistic path to homeownership and long-term housing stability.

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

Government must be accountable to taxpayers and focused on results.

I believe every budget decision should be evaluated based on effectiveness, transparency, and measurable outcomes. Before asking taxpayers for more money, we should ensure existing funds are being spent wisely. I support regular program reviews, eliminating waste, improving efficiency, and prioritizing core services such as public safety, infrastructure, housing solutions, and mental health support.

My approach is simple: responsible spending, transparent government, and measurable results for the people of Kauaʻi.and Niihau

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

Kauaʻi’s economy cannot rely solely on tourism. We need a more resilient economy built on agriculture, local entrepreneurship, technology, renewable energy, and value-added manufacturing.

I support expanding opportunities for local farmers, encouraging small business growth, attracting remote workers and responsible technology businesses, and exploring innovative solutions that turn waste into resources rather than filling our landfill. I also believe we should strengthen workforce development partnerships with schools, Kauaʻi Community College, and local employers to create career opportunities for our residents.

Government’s role should be to remove unnecessary barriers, encourage investment, and create an environment where local businesses and entrepreneurs can thrive.

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 roads, bridges, wastewater capacity, water infrastructure, emergency preparedness, and landfill solutions. Infrastructure should support housing, public safety, economic growth, and environmental stewardship.

Too often projects are delayed by bureaucracy, poor coordination, and lack of accountability. I support setting clear timelines, improving interagency coordination, pursuing available state and federal funding, and regularly reviewing project progress in public meetings. Taxpayers deserve transparency on project status, costs, and results.

We must focus on maintaining critical infrastructure before it becomes more costly to repair and ensure projects are completed efficiently and responsibly

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 is an important part of Kauaʻi’s economy, but it must be managed in a way that respects our residents, culture, and natural resources.

My vision is a balanced approach that supports local jobs and businesses while protecting the qualities that make Kauaʻi special. We need responsible visitor management, investments in infrastructure, protection of natural resources, and continued support for local businesses that benefit from tourism.

At the same time, we should diversify our economy so our future is not overly dependent on a single industry. A healthy economy, protected environment, and strong community are not competing goals—they can and should work together.

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

Many European countries have developed advanced waste-management systems that significantly reduce landfill use by converting waste into reusable materials, compost, and, in some cases, energy. I believe Kauaʻi should evaluate proven technologies and best practices to determine what solutions may be appropriate for our island communities.

I support expanding curbside recycling, increasing composting opportunities, improving public education on waste reduction, and encouraging businesses and residents to participate in sustainable practices. We should also explore public-private partnerships that improve efficiency and reduce costs.

Any solution must be environmentally responsible, financially sound, and transparent to taxpayers. By reducing landfill dependency, increasing recycling and recovery efforts, and exploring innovative technologies, we can create local jobs, protect our environment, and build a cleaner, more sustainable future for Kauaʻi and Niʻihau.

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

My focus is on practical resilience and preparedness. Whether the challenges come from climate change, severe weather, sea level rise, drought, or wildfire risk, our responsibility is to protect our communities and infrastructure.

I support investments in flood mitigation, wildfire prevention, resilient infrastructure, watershed protection, emergency preparedness, and responsible land-use planning. We should also strengthen local food security and water security so Kauaʻi is better prepared for future challenges.

Rather than focusing on symbolic measures, I believe we should prioritize practical actions that improve safety, resilience, and quality of life for residents.

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

Kauaʻi’s businesses are essential partners in building a strong future for our island. As a small business professional myself, I understand the challenges business owners face, from workforce shortages and housing costs to regulations and infrastructure concerns.

My commitment is to listen, collaborate, and support policies that create economic opportunity while preserving the values and beauty that make Kauaʻi unique. I believe government works best when it is transparent, accountable, and responsive to the people it serves.

We may come from different backgrounds and perspectives, but we all want a thriving Kauaʻi and Ni’ihau for our families and future generations. We are stronger together, and together we can find practical solutions that benefit our entire community.