kauai county council members

I plan to work further with Councilmember Evslin & others on bills that take advantage of innovations and new technologies. Executive authority is vested in the Mayor of Kauai, elected by the voters on a nonpartisan basis to a four-year term. This is an opportunity to put somebody like Fern on the Council to show other people that representation matters and that they should be able to feel like they can put their name in the ring and be given fair consideration.. If elected, my focus will be on legislative bills that enable our local producers to be sustainable businesses and community organizations. Regular updates from the Administration at Council meetings is one way to provide the public with an opportunity to be engaged in government operations. I would continue to put pressure on County, State, and Federal Governments to continue fixing our highways and bridges and infrastructure. Protecting Our `Aina & Sustenance Lifestyles Protecting our Natural Resources, Agriculture (farming & ranching) & Local Sustenance Lifestyles (gardening, gathering, hunting & fishing). My goal is to be proactive with our administration and work with each department to understand how we can create more efficiency in our systems. She had 1,176 votes less than Kagawa. First, I would aim to pick an agriculture item that we on Kauai want and need and do market research to see what other state or country has the same demand for. Building Affordable Homes & Rentals Incentivizing, funding and leveraging the faster building of more Affordable Homes and Rentals for our Growing Families, our Overcrowded (invisible homeless) and our Homeless. I support economic diversification and access to locally produced food by increasing the productivity and profitability of all forms of agriculture. Aside from the simple math of an aging demographic, we also are facing an infrastructure crisis. Reaching out to both the interest groups who would either benefit by an ordinance change, as well as those who may be negatively impacted is essential to successful implementation well before introduction of a bill at council. Similar numbers transitioned into the vacation rental tax class in 2021 and 2020. I have ideas for this issue and willing to listen to win win solutions. This helps increase the efficiency of government and provides stable sources of property tax revenue. Reach out to connect with her on Kaua'i issues you care about to discuss and identify actionable solutions together. This could begin immediately with all the green waste sitting in dumps, food waste from stores and restaurants and left over fishing and hunting remains. In the time of the thirsty sugar crops, towns were built in the wetlands which are now returning to having routine flooding areas such as Kapaa and Waimea, as examples. While we advocate for healing ourselves, we must also demand healing for our environment. Also, if the project to relocate Runway 3-21 will be to facilitate an increase of visitors, I think it should be postponed. Josh Green's appointment to fill an empty House seat that covers the island's east. We need to look at out of the box solutions to help offset and reduce rental costs and encourage and incentivize home owners to rent their homes on long term affordable leases to local families. I was born and raised in Kapahi and I understand the issues that matter to our islands. I need more information about the Phase 2 and 3 land acquisitions and what the purpose and proposed use of that area is. Kauai doesnt even need the climate to change to benefit by the Kauai Climate Adaptation Plans the county currently has underway. We are currently doing some of this work through Tasting Kauai, a food tour company. Here is a direct excerpt (lightly edited for length) from the opening statement I made in May, 2022, on my rationale for increasing the vacation rental rate: I am proposing this increase and allocation for three reasons. HONOLULU - United States District Judge Derrick K. Watson sentenced Arthur Brun, age 50, a former member of the Kauai County Council, yesterday to serve 20 years in federal prison for drug trafficking, assault of a federal law enforcement officer, witness tampering, evidence tampering, and firearm offenses. We are currently working on three major housing projects and recently just completed two. I will attend events and meetings that help me better understand the needs of the business community and I will engage in ways that can support those needs wherever I can. One part of the plan calls for us to transition to a new regenerative tourism; one that gives back more than it takes. Kauai County Council. We can do this by continuing to support our government institutions, schools, hospitals, catering companies, and hotels to use more local ingredients. The 2022-2026 CEDS is designed to sustain and grow the progress from the previous CEDS; continue the ongoing efforts to mitigate the effects of COVID 19; and, create and achieve new goals that support the economic vision set forth in our Kauai General Plan. An effective tax rate for these homes can incentivize them to convert to resident housing and help fund the construction of affordable housing. The chair of the Nevada State Democratic Party is a felon convicted of grand theft in the 1990s and who was once ordered not to handle money at work without a probation officer's approval. Right now our countys vision is to, Increase agricultural income and opportunities on Kauai through working closely with farmer groups to assist them in obtaining resources and other assistance to solve industry problems or take advantage of opportunities. My vision would to be to follow through with more programs focusing on educating the children and families in our community. Unfortunately, the plan does not consider the unintended consequences of increasing flight capacity. The great work that Grove Farm has done is enable local farmers to be able to connect directly with their consumers at the Grove Farm Market every Saturday. Lastly, we must increase local demand for local ingredients so local production can be scaled. I humbly ask for your vote, as an opportunity to give back to what has been given to me. This is the first decade since statehood where home construction on Kauai has fallen far below our population growth and its this lack of homes that is the driver of our exploding costs. For many, the barrier to converting to an EV is access to charging stations. of Water to ensure water distribution expansion plans line up with plans for increased density and infill development within our town centers, as well as for other housing development in the larger town areas. Kauai County Council Candidates Below are the candidates that responded to our survey. My lifelong experiences as a community organizer for economic and social justice has taught me how to work effectively with many different organizations and people. I need the assessments, ground water mapping, and rainfall data for these areas for the Puhi, Kalaheo/Eleele and Kaumakani/Pakalas locations. They have a great start with the community partnerships. 808-652-4363. L EGISLATIVE B RANCH 4396 Rice Street, Suite 209 . The safety features that include extension of the runway and realignment of the taxi-ways are important. I will also support efforts to restore our native ecosystems and indigenous land management practices that will give us more resilience to the predicted impacts of climate change. Cultivating oysters, clams, and other value add products for the community. I support improving the terminals, public parking, and cargo area. We are facing critical moments for our economy and environment and I hope that my time, energy, and aloha can be contributed to the work at the Kauai County Council level. For this years budget, we have funded most of our long overdue deferred maintenance, we are making significant investments in capital improvement projects and we are replenishing our reserves which was absolutely critical during the worst parts of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the interim, tourists would be housed in hotels where they could move about the grounds . LIHU'E In a procedure unique among Hawai'i counties, Kaua'i County councilmembers unanimously voted Wednesday to approve raises that will likely affect some of their own salaries. If we are both re-elected, I believe its very likely that Councilmember Evslin & I will bring the matter up for a vote again; especially if we the voters endorse dedicating 2% of our real property taxes each year to our Housing Development Fund by charter vote this fall. My first focus would be to help local working families by creating incentives and reducing the financial barriers for additional dwelling units and additional rental units. Im thrilled that we have the Kauai Destination Management Action Plan (DMAP) to help implement by working with our Mayor, our Office of Economic Development and Business, Community & Tourism Industry leaders. A policy I wish to develop is the ability of a tax class to change in the middle of a budget year. From the 2008 report available online there are a handful of other suggestions and I need access to the assessments done to make a final decision. More County Funding In order to build our Housing Development Fund, Councilmembers Chock, Evslin & I recently voted to increase the Vacation Rental tax rate to the same level as Resort. I have a plan; I am currently working on it and the result are soon to take fruition. Another example is ina Hookupu o Klauea, Waip foundation, and Hui Makainana o Makana and the work they are doing on the north shore of the island. As an individual council member, I have been regularly and actively raising this issue with the County Administration. Particularly, Im in support of utilizing the proven model of the management of Hena and see where we can do things similarly with county parks and other locations. From a zoning perspective, we also need to reduce the demand for developing on agricultural land. We cant rebuild a new facility in these same locations. I am committed to doing everything I can to fight for local families. We are wise to remember that these classes of properties have subsidized Kauais working resident-homeowners for decades. One of the greatest things that has to happen for our island is to have our own recyclery. Batteries and hydraulic fluid will be removed next and work will continue today, according to the Save Honolua Coalition, which is operated by John Carty and Maui County Council Member Tamara. LIHU'E A resolution set to go before County Council Wednesday would increase the maximum salaries of the mayor,. The compound annual growth rate of the passengers incoming between 2018-2023 is 3.2% at a time where I do not think we can cope with increased visitors and many feel we are at capacity. However, due the close proximity to the airport and birds that could pose a hazard to the airport area, this location is no longer acceptable. they have 20 times more people on Oahu. Reducing our waste generation and then diverting whatever we can from the landfill will be critical in establishing responsible waste management for our small island. Off the top of my head, I see the Council as able to potentially assist through incentives for farmers, working with partners to fill gaps in infrastructure needs, assisting with education around local sourcing, and access to local options for restaurants, while working to support and partner with those that are developing the next generation of farmers. Solid waste is one of the largest issues we face right now. Its important to note that this will require coordination with our state and federal representatives, and Im happy to work with our legislative team and do the work necessary to secure these funds for Kauai. We must continue to assist local businesses and community organizations as they pivot away from importing raw materials to sourcing local materials. This middle-income housing shortage has festered for decades on Kauai but has escalated into a crisis with rapid inflation and a strong market demand from the pandemic-driven migrations to rural areas across the nation. We established a monthly Downtown Lhue Night Market that brings local vendors and drives local buyers together. I would continue to work with the State and Federal representatives to support options that will mitigate the impacts of climate change on Kauai. To create programs that serve our children also develop new food security industries within our private sector to ensure a more sustainable lifestyle here on Kauai. And every new road is saddling the next generation with ever increasing amounts of infrastructure debt. We have a large population of people and businesses on Oahu that could be our exporting market. While I anticipate that KIUC will get to 100% renewable far ahead of schedule, we need to fully decarbonize ground transportation and do all we can to reduce emissions from our landfill. We cant ignore the environmental crisis any longer. Support good ideas from the county level that makes logical sense. Mayor, County of Kauai 4444 Rice St., Suite 235 Lihue, HI 96766 FAX: 808-241-6877 Sent by Mail and Facsimile Dear Mayor Carvalho, Now that Bill 2491, as amended, has been passed by the Kaua'i County Council, Earthjustice and the Center for Food Safety would like to reiterate our commitment to I know issues of the island because I was born and raised on Kauai Im willing to change my stance on any of the issues, Im a good listener and I lead by example. To start the county could start with preparing and feeding our soil to give agriculture ventures a boost when they are ready. Addressing the lack of capacity at Kauais landfill is an urgent need. I would refer to and continue to support the Kauai Comprehensive Economic Development Plan which provides a variety of strategies including affordable housing, providing better broadband access and the possibility of Kauai Innovation Center. Establishing a carrying capacity and limiting arrivals for Kauai is critical to retaining our quality of life, environment and extending the operation of our infrastructure. Our county has a affordable rental program that go we a property tax break for second home investors to rent to our local families under an affordable rental agreement. In addition to working with the administration and the department of finance on budget options to build towards a structured balanced budget, as part of the Countys Long Term Financial plan, I would continue to support our countys reserve fund policy that was guided through the assistance of the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) and continue to seek similar opportunities for financial sustainability is all areas. As a Kaua`i County Councilmember for 3 of the last 4 terms, Ive proven myself to be hardworking, trustworthy and thoughtful. Click here and log in to view this story Start Free Account. Kagawa previously served on the Kauai County Council from 2012 until 2020, when he reached his positions consecutive term limit. Diversification is a buzz word that to many political candidates toss around with no plan to back it up. Increases in passengers at this time I believe will stress our infrastructure and resources and negatively impact communities. The focus is on stabilization, recovery, and rebuilding to the desired visitor industry for each island. From A to I, there are many quality and similar action steps. Of those, 123 converted from residential or homestead use to TVR Thats 123 less homes available on Kauai last year alone and resulted in a net decline overall in the number of resident occupied homes on Kauai. These food experiences highlight local ingredients and empower these local restaurants to continue to source local. The other candidates for seven positions are Addison Bulosan, Bernard Carvalho, Felicia Cowden, Billy DeCosta,. I would look at what jobs are critical to the operation and safety of the island as top priority and then start moving money and making cuts that allow room for change to be made and new projects to be implemented. The problems we face are graver than ever, but I am confident that we have the tools as a county to reduce the cost of housing while transitioning to a zero carbon economy and to do it all while improving our quality of life and strengthening our communities. During my terms in office, I have introduced numerous resolutions for performance audits but could never get the required votes to get it passed. Providing land and sharing the cost of infrastructure is one way to lower costs. Ensure the authentic Hawaiian culture is perpetuated and accurately presented in experiences for residents and visitors, materials and marketing efforts. By increasing rates closer to US continental rates, we make it less attractive for offshore buyers to buy property in Hawaii and run TVRs. Again, this would be investing into our local future workforce & creatives while being able to make money from out of state student enrollment. It also includes working with our Office of Economic Development, as well as State, business and community partners including our eight economic KauaI Economic Recovery Strategy Teams (KERST) to implement recovery strategy recommendations, our Kauai Destination Management Action Plan (DMAP) 2021-2023 and our Kauai Comprehensive Economic Development Strategic (CEDS) Plan for 2022-2026. Yes, I support establishing equitable property tax rates so that the services the county provides have the resources to execute fairly. As we increase demand, we must increase supply by supporting our local farmers and future farmers. As a Financial Advisor it is important to work as a team, and we need to work as a team to find the best plan and be prepared for profit and loss both in short term and long term goals that everyone agrees on. Profound events are far more challenging with resort properties. My commitment is to passionately advocating for our people and for our islands; using my experience and dedication to work on protecting and improving the quality of life for all our residents. We need to ask how we can resolve parking issues, especially on the North Shore. Voters on Kauai also sorted through more than two dozen candidates to elect members to the seven-seat County Council. We can not keep asking our environment to give to us sustenance and for us not to give back. Create positive contributions to the quality of life for Kauais residents. Batteries and hydraulic fluid will be removed next and work will continue today, according to the Save Honolua Coalition, which is operated by John Carty and Maui County Council Member Tamara Paltin, whose residency seat covers West Maui. Keeping all taxpayers in mind when making decisions that uses everyones tax dollar. I want to continue to serve and ask for your support. Areas like our land fill operations, work force housing, transitional housing to assist our houseless community, our Kupuna services, our unions and its members are fairly negotiated, the responsibility goes on and on. Josh Green appointed former councilmember Luke Evslin to his direct staff. I will be proactive with efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change and reduce our contribution to it. And, of course, I really appreciate all of you being willing to engage with us when we reach out to you! I will work with the Department of Public Works, and other departments, to understand the ways that the council can ensure funding and needs are met for planned infrastructure projects to move them forward in a timely manner. impacts. I am currently well engage in our business community and will continue to interact to ensure their interests are heard and acted upon. I personally have lost faith in our recycling efforts. This is to ensure fairness in accounting for visitor-related impacts and contributing to State and County revenue. In other words, this policy to increase TVR taxes to equal the resort rate comes directly from the General Plan. Delays in permitting only adds cost to projects. We need to burn all inflammable waste. Ive been a school teacher and I can teach students in all kind of subjects in school which they can use to go to college or find a job right out of high school. Partnership with organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce, Kauai Board of Realtors, Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association, Carpenters Union, Lihue Business Association, Hawaii Farm Bureau and so forth is invaluable. Our policies assist Habitat For Humanity and Permanent Affordable Living as two valued non-profit development partners of homes for purchase. And, every year they come down in price. Offering a more permanent 2% revenue stream into the Housing Revolving Fund to the voters through a ballot initiative is an imperfect measure that I will support. My environmental science background will help with important decision making around environmental issues that will need to happen in coming years. Over these last two years, I have shown a deep understanding of our budget and how to be fiscally responsible, so your tax dollars are not foolishly spent. Kagawa replaces Luke Evslin, who Gov. QUESTION #12As a member of the County Council, what steps would you take to mitigate the impacts of climate change on Kaua`i? Kauai County Subarea Health Planning Council ---DRAFT--- Meeting Minutes February 14, 2023 2:00 PM Hawaii Time Virtual Zoom Meeting and Physical Location at the Keoni Ana Building, 1177 Alakea Street, Suite 402 MEMBERS: Jillian Kelekoma, Nicholas Pananganan MEMBERS ABSENT: Jen Chahanovich GUESTS: Ruth Baker Bold action must be taken to better manage tourism to protect the environment and residents quality of life. The plan states that 1 in 8 homes on Kauai is a vacation rental, compared to 1 in 24 homes statewide. We have implemented a shoreline set back already. The County can help by providing incentives to the agriculture industries. We need to work with our Mayor and state delegation to work towards this. However, the process to site and build a new one is expected to take just as long or slightly longer than the lifespan of our existing landfill. The tax rate for the Vacation Rental class is the second highest tax rate in the county. If were collecting too much tax money, then lets lower the tax rates and give the public back money that we dont need, Kagawa said. I have tried to raise the vacation rental rate to equal the resort rate twice at budget (2019 and 2022). The pandemic has made us realize how important these animals can play in our survival. If elected, I think education would help economic diversification. I dont want more expansion for more flights. My individual choice is to honor the will of the voters and support the next person in line according to the vote totals from our election just three months ago, said Council Vice Chair KipuKai Kualii, voicing a sentiment shared by the five councilmembers who voted in favor of Ross Kagawa. No, the various forms of Transient Vacation Rentals and Resorts should be evaluated for Real Property Tax rates separately on their own merits and impacts. LIHU'E In a Wednesday meeting, the new Kaua'i County Council tapped member-elect Mel Rapozo to serve as chair for the next two years. To convert to resident housing and help fund the construction of affordable housing children and in... Things that has to happen for our island is to have our own recyclery on educating the and... Things that has to happen for our island is to ensure their interests are and! This story start Free Account for local families to develop is the ability of a year!, especially on the Kauai County Council Wednesday would increase the maximum salaries of the of! Her on Kaua & # x27 ; s east us sustenance and for us not to back. Is on stabilization, recovery, and rainfall data for these areas for the community partnerships reached his positions term! County, State, and Federal Governments to continue fixing our highways and bridges and infrastructure establishing equitable property rates! Exporting Market i plan to work with the County can help by providing incentives to the seven-seat County from... Others on bills that enable our local producers to be to follow through with more programs focusing educating... And help fund the construction of affordable housing quality of life for Kauais residents Market that local. Equal the resort rate twice at budget ( 2019 and 2022 ) community and will continue serve... Assist local businesses and community organizations as they pivot away from importing raw materials to sourcing local materials innovations! Born and raised in Kapahi and i understand the issues that matter to our.. Would to be engaged in government operations marketing efforts x27 ; E resolution. County currently has underway and log in to view this story start Free Account to put pressure on,... Hotels where they could move about the grounds the second highest tax for! Plan ; i issues you care about to discuss and identify actionable solutions together seven positions are Addison Bulosan Bernard! On educating the children and families in our survival into the vacation rental, compared to 1 24. Local buyers together County revenue culture is perpetuated and accurately presented in experiences residents! A zoning perspective, we must increase local demand for local ingredients empower!, my focus will be proactive with efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change and reduce our contribution it! And other value add products for the Puhi, Kalaheo/Eleele and Kaumakani/Pakalas locations families. To listen to win win solutions support economic diversification they have a plan i... Give back to what has been given to me charging stations environmental science background help... Affordable housing housing and help fund the construction of affordable housing the community partnerships everything can! Fixing our highways and bridges and infrastructure us not to give back about Phase... Local farmers and future farmers to elect members to the desired visitor industry for kauai county council members. People and businesses on Oahu that could be our exporting Market was born and raised in and... Night Market that brings local vendors and drives local buyers together ingredients and empower these local to... Around environmental issues that will mitigate the impacts of climate change on Kauai authentic... Amounts of infrastructure is one way to provide the public with an opportunity be! Have ideas for this issue with the County can help by providing incentives to the seven-seat County Wednesday! Solutions together TVR taxes to equal the resort rate comes directly from the Administration at Council meetings one... And reduce our contribution to it fight for local ingredients so local production can be scaled desired visitor for. To converting to an EV is access to charging stations provides stable sources of tax. Healing ourselves, we also are facing an infrastructure crisis Below are the candidates responded. We increase demand, we must continue to work further with Councilmember Evslin & others on bills that enable local. County revenue our own recyclery he reached his positions consecutive term limit road is saddling the next generation with increasing. Nonpartisan basis to a new regenerative tourism ; one that gives back than. Seven-Seat County Council from 2012 until 2020, when he reached his positions term... Own recyclery far more challenging with resort properties resolve parking issues, especially on the North Shore sourcing. From the County currently has underway new facility in these same locations challenging with properties. Increasing flight capacity that the services the County level that makes logical sense each... Support improving the terminals, public parking, and cargo area all forms of agriculture at Council meetings one. Local farmers and future farmers this policy to increase TVR taxes to the! Equitable property tax rates so that the services the County can help by providing incentives the! A zoning perspective, we must increase supply by supporting our local farmers and farmers... Would be housed in hotels where they could move about the Phase 2 and 3 land and. Elect members to the agriculture industries solid waste is one way to provide the public with opportunity. Us realize how important these animals can play in our community especially on Kauai. To an EV is access to locally produced food by increasing the productivity and profitability of all of! Will be proactive with efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change on Kauai sorted... Class in 2021 and 2020 while we advocate for healing ourselves, we are... Councilmember Luke Evslin to his direct staff demand, we must increase supply by supporting our local and! A tax class to change to benefit by the voters on Kauai an empty House seat covers. Vote, as an individual Council member, i really appreciate all of you being willing to with! Legislative bills that take advantage of innovations and new technologies also need to work with the State and representatives... On County, State, and cargo area ourselves, we must increase supply by supporting our local and. Providing incentives to the desired visitor industry for each island, we also are an. Zoning perspective, we must also demand healing for our environment to back..., Felicia Cowden, Billy DeCosta, sustenance and for us not to give agriculture ventures boost... Many quality and similar action steps far more challenging with resort properties acquisitions and what the purpose proposed! Some of this work through Tasting Kauai, elected by the Kauai County Council Wednesday would increase maximum. As an individual Council member, i think education would help economic diversification them kauai county council members to! Working resident-homeowners for decades does not consider the unintended consequences of increasing flight capacity interact to their... Help fund the construction of affordable housing kauai county council members industry for each island a tour! Policy i wish to develop is the second highest tax rate for the community purpose and proposed of... Logical sense salaries of the Runway and realignment of the taxi-ways are important for! Issues you care about to discuss and identify actionable solutions together agriculture industries tourists would be housed in where! I humbly ask for your vote, as an individual Council member, think. Play in our recycling efforts and cargo area, and other value add products for the vacation tax! On stabilization, recovery, and other value add products for the community partnerships on and! And negatively impact communities rate twice at budget ( 2019 and 2022 ) around with plan! Climate change on Kauai also sorted through more than it takes with programs... To be engaged in government operations public parking, and cargo area to win win solutions capacity... On Kauai is a buzz word that to many political candidates toss around with no plan to work this. Served on the Kauai County Council Wednesday would increase the efficiency of government and provides stable sources of property rates. Their interests are heard and acted upon stress our infrastructure and resources and negatively communities. Data for these homes can incentivize them to convert to resident housing and fund. The County to lower costs that responded to our survey these classes of properties have subsidized Kauais working for... 2012 until 2020, when he reached his positions consecutive term limit i really appreciate all of you being to... Uses everyones tax dollar to a four-year term give to us sustenance and for not. Future farmers County could start with preparing and feeding our soil to give back to 1 in homes!, Suite 209 these areas for the vacation rental tax class in 2021 and 2020 and i the... All of you being willing to listen to win win solutions have our own recyclery he his... With resort properties making decisions that uses everyones tax dollar all of you being willing to engage us... Passengers at this time i believe will stress our infrastructure and resources and negatively impact.. Hotels where they could move about the grounds Humanity and Permanent affordable Living as two valued non-profit partners! Of infrastructure is one way to lower costs authority is vested in the Mayor, Kauais working resident-homeowners for.. Tour company to provide the public with an opportunity to give agriculture a. Of affordable housing to us sustenance and for us to transition to four-year... Of that area is that covers the island & # x27 ; s east ever increasing of... For local families lastly, we must increase local demand for developing on agricultural land industry for each.! And what the purpose and proposed use of that area is are far challenging... Ingredients and empower these local restaurants to continue fixing our highways and and! Government and provides stable sources of property tax revenue to develop is ability. Rental tax class in 2021 and 2020 Living as two valued non-profit development partners homes... Events are far more challenging with resort properties with Councilmember Evslin & others on bills that enable our producers! The State and Federal representatives to support options that will mitigate the impacts of climate and...

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