Sunday, October 19, 2014
Mayor of Kauai by creating a network of bypass roads that really work, like from the tree tunnel to Lihue and from Hanamaulu to Kapaa. In my travels around the world, I’ve also seen how roundabouts decongest many small town Legally, it’s the state’s reand big city traffic problems, sponsibility to regulate agriand I think it would be an imculture. But it’s also the portant step to keep things county’s responsibility to flowing. Strengthening our protect the health and safety bus and transportation sysof our people and natural retem on our island for tourism What needs to be done sources. We cannot accept so that we may reduce the the present standard that al- to address the condition number of tourist cars on lows for the continued spray- of Kauai’s roads and our roads is also an importtraffic on the island? ing of pesticides upwind of ant step to alleviating some our communities, schools We need to put pressure of our traffic issues. Our and waterways just because on the state to address the present system is a free for the current laws they have traffic and safety problems all. Our visitors and the visiset in place say it’s OK. It’s and make our roads are a tor industry is rolling along not OK! The state and federal high priority in our county with no real plan in place to governments have failed to budget. We need to work on give the best experience posprotect the health of our securing more cost-efficient sible for our visitors and keiki and our aina, and volun- contracts when it comes to maintain a livable commutary disclosure is not a subbuilding our roads. We need nity for our residents. Hotels stitute for mandatory to address our issues from need to provide shuttle serdisclosure. There should be the Westside to Lihue and vice to popular destinations through Wailua and Kapaa to help get cars off the road four unbiased regulators —
and open up parking for locals. On any given day, our visitors are using a very large share of our roads, parking, parks, beaches and restrooms, yet we do not charge for any of these services. That needs to change.
Curbside recycling is a good start to categorizing our trash so that we can reduce waste. We should put funds into education on ways households can categorize their trash to make it easier for the community and the county to work together to reduce and recycle. By dividing our waste responsibly, we can reduce our landfill problems. We need to think outside of the box for ways we can use our trash to our benefit. Nowhere else in the world is better equipped
Waste is a critical issue we have been falling behind on. Let’s get ahead of the curve and be a national leader in waste management systems. We can implement the best available technology from around the world and reduce the waste going into our landfill by 90 percent. We can also implement waste sorting and separating techniques and waste-to-energy technology and set the standard for waste management.
motion and always have the next set of roadways in line once funding becomes available. Traffic is another issue. One way we are addressing congestion is by expanding the Kauai Bus to keep more vehicles off the roadway. I’m proud that we’ve doubled bus ridership since we took office in 2008. We’re ready to launch a pilot shuttle program between Princeville, Hanalei and Kee, in an effort to get more cars off the road — especially at Kee — and move our visitors around via mass transit. It’s a model we hope to replicate on the South Shore as well. How should the county address the solid waste that is being generated but also move toward the goal of establishing a new landfill? We’ve made significant progress in diversion. The diversion rate increased from 29 percent to 43
percent since 2008. We need to move that much higher as we site our new landfill and make that the smallest portion of our waste management operation. We’re moving on Pay As You Throw, identifying a site for a materials recovery facility (MRF), and moving toward curbside recycling once our MRF is operational. At the same time, we are exploring new technologies for waste conversion that might be appropriate and affordable for Kauai. Our landfill siting activities have made significant progress, and we are confident that we will have a new landfill in place once we run out of capacity at Kekaha. How can the county improve current recycling programs and attitudes toward it? We’re seeing what a challenge that is right now with Pay As You Throw. The best way to approach recycling is through
incentives whenever possible. We believe most families can downsize to a smaller rubbish cart, and the current proposal will lower their monthly fee if they do so. At the same time, we are working collaboratively with the business community to create affordable and convenient alternatives to landfilling certain waste products like construction debris. It’s all about making recycling as convenient and affordable as possible, but also educating our residents and visitors about how critically important it is that we recycle and protect our environment. Zero Waste Kauai has been a great partner in educating our event coordinators and helping them divert 90 percent or more of their event waste. These efforts also help raise awareness for the public at large.
What should the county’s role be in monitoring the activities of Kauai companies that use pesticides and genetically modified organisms?
dustin barca challenger w Age: 32
What should the county’s role be in monitoring the activities of Kauai companies that use pesticides and genetically modified organisms? In line with the advice of the county attorney and the ruling by Federal Judge Kurren, I believe we should work collaboratively with the state to properly monitor these activities. There are currently incumbent significant regulations in place at both the state and w Age: 53 federal level, and we have w Highest education level/degree successfully lobbied the attained and name of institution: state to add another Bachelor’s degree, University of pesticide inspector position Hawaii at Manoa (1983) for Kauai. The Good w Work history: County of Kauai, Neighbor Program 1985 - present (voluntary disclosure and w Number of years that you’ve buffer zones) remains in lived on Kauai: Other than the place, with monthly years 1979-1985, I’ve lived my entire disclosure reports available life on Kauai online for all to access. We are currently in discussions with the state Department of Agriculture on a
bernard carvalho jr.
2 • Sunday, October 19, 2014
one for each company on the island. With the largest chemical companies in the world doing almost all their GMO seed experiments on Kauai, we need to be more cautious in regulation. If we keep playing the blame game of whose responsibility it is, nothing will ever get done. We need to work together to put the health and safety of our people first.
partnership to accomplish a Joint Fact Finding process, to gather available information on these matters and determine what additional studies are needed in order to guide our policy-making in the future. The bottom line: it’s all about partnership and collaboration and being responsible stewards of public health, the environment, the economy and our county finances. What needs to be done to address the condition of Kauai’s roads and traffic on the island? Obviously, we can’t fix all of our roads at once, but we’ve implemented a system that will evaluate our roads in an objective manner and prioritize those that are most in need of repair from a structural/ safety perspective. It’s important that we keep our Islandwide Road Resurfacing Program in
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How can the county improve current recycling programs and attitudes toward it?
to share a truly sustainable experience with sustainable energy, food, water and accommodations as we are here on Kauai. How should the county address the solid waste that is being generated but also move toward the goal of establishing a new landfill?
See Barca, 3
See carvalho, 3 thegardenisland.com
Barca Continued from 2 Where do you see the island of Kauai in 20 years? Depends on who you vote for. We are on a oneway path to an unsustainable future. We need to think global and act local, and see how issues around the world are going to affect us locally. We need to put our natural resources first for the health of our people and future generations. My platform is focused on the next 20 years because we are in challenging times on Kauai due to unsustainable practices. We need to grow our own food, heal our people from drug problems, restore our culture and language, and keep our water ways flowing and clean. That is the way we will be sustainable in 20 years, 40 years and into the future.
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What are your proposals to help the county operate more efficiently? Transparency, honesty and accountability. The majority of our people in county are doing a great job, but we need to look at the county as a business, and we need to bring in professionals for some of the major positions to get this business back on its feet. I look forward to putting together a blue ribbon committee to help solve the tough budgeting issues our county is facing and working with our auditor to be sure of where our money is going. What are your thoughts about the Hawaiian sovereignty movement? I think the Hawaiian monarchy was illegally overthrown and should be rightfully restored. In this time of consciousness,
where information is shared and hard to hide, people are well-educated in the real history of Hawaii and the rights that Kanaka Maoli have. Should Kauai be doing more to promote tourism and why? My vision for Kauai is to restore our heiau, fishponds and significant cultural sites with a look but no touch for tourists and to build a food farming system, creating fresh foods and local grassfed Kauai beef in our restaurants and local eateries around the island to give Kauai a cultural significance above all other islands. I don’t think we need to build more hotels. We need to rebuild our culture. That will strengthen our tourism industry and provide more funding to our county through a different kind of tourism. It’s all about making tourism work for us and not us working for tourism.
Carvalho
What are your proposals to help the county operate more Continued from 2 efficiently? Where do you see the I’ve been in county island of Kauai in 20 government for nearly 30 years? years, and I know we have When my grandchildren inefficiencies. Rebecome young adults, I want engineering our operations them to experience the same while improving customer Kauai that we all know and services has been a top love: a clean and pristine priority for me. We’ve environment, a close-knit already made positive and loving community, a changes, such as: thriving economy that offers consolidating our human them jobs to support their resource functions, families, affordable housing, automating refuse clean parks, and lots of collection, creating healthy activities with access paperless solutions for job to affordable health care. applications and This is a vision I know we can procurement activities, and achieve, because we are creating a small-equipment working with so many maintenance team. partners and the community Electronic Plan Review, at large as we speak to make which was activated last these things happen and year, reduces waiting time strengthen all that we love for permits by 70 percent. about our island. What needs And there are more to bind us together as we initiatives in the works, move forward is a strong including: reducing our sense of ohana and a deepvehicle fleet by creating a shared motor pool, and seated commitment to act working with KIUC to switch with aloha — always.
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streetlights to LED technology. We hope to create a litigation team in the Office of the County Attorney to reduce expenses for special counsel services. We have also assembled a Vacancy Review Committee that will scrutinize every vacant position to see how we can consolidate and downsize over time. What are your thoughts about the Hawaiian sovereignty movement? As a Native Hawaiian, I believe first and foremost that the consensus has to start from within the Hawaiian community. Obviously, we are not there yet, as we saw with recent federal hearings that were held statewide. It’s time to take a step back and work on internal consensus building first and foremost. We’ve been working on a program called Kauai Nui SEE CARVALHO, 5
Sunday, October 19, 2014 s 3
Kauai County Councilmember What needs to be done to address the condition of Kauai’s roads and traffic on the island? The county should establish priorities to optimize its resources while increasing and promoting transportation alternatives.
Arthur brun
challenger
w Age: 42 w Highest education level/degree attained: Waimea High School w Work history: Kekaha Sugar, Menehune Water, Eskimo Candy, Abe’s Auto Recycling and currently Syngenta w Number of years that you’ve lived on Kauai: 42
tim bynum incumbent
Where do you see the island of Kauai in 20 years? My dream is to strike a fair balance between environmental protection and economic development that will allow our local community and lifestyle to flourish. What are your proposals to help the county operate more efficiently? The county must live within its means and
What should the county’s role be in monitoring the activities of Kauai companies that use pesticides and genetically modified organisms? The county passed ordinance 960, a modest bill that proposes disclosure and buffer zones. The ordinance, overturned by the court, is on appeal. It is a reasonable proposal that may yet be upheld. In the meantime, we should continue plans to do an Environmental and Health Impact Statement to examine the unique circumstances on Kauai due to the research agricultural practices of the chemical/seed companies that has led to high frequencies and quantities of pesticide spraying. It is also now clear that landowners and the chemical companies that leased new land to expand
4 • Sunday, October 19, 2014
reexamine its priorities for expenditures. Should Kauai be doing more to promote tourism and why? We must make every effort to support one of our primary economic engines. How should the county address the solid waste that is being generated but also move toward the goal of establishing a new landfill? The county must decrease waste, increase recycling and identify a site for a new landfill, taking into consideration environmental impacts and major population centers. How can the county improve current recycling programs and attitudes toward it? The county can include a
their operations on Kauai ignored and thus have violated our laws related to taxation, environmental protection and public safety. Needed accountability has just started. An investigation into just three of more that 40 properties that need inquiry is underway and needs to be expanded. Recent efforts at the state level are welcome but not near adequate. How should the county address the solid waste that is being generated but also move toward the goal of establishing a new landfill? The county has an adopted waste management plan that I support. The biggest problems have happened when we didn’t follow the plan. A political decision was made to do a pilot curbside recycling project
curriculum on recycling and its benefits in the Summer Fun program and collaborate with the Department of Education to do the same. What should the county’s role be in monitoring the activities of Kauai companies that use pesticides and genetically modified organisms? In accordance with the court decision, the county is preempted from this role. Thus, it is the responsibility of the federal and state governments. What are your thoughts about the Hawaiian sovereignty movement? We must recognize and respect the rights of native Hawaiians.
Polling places All polling locations are open Tuesday, November 4, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. They are located across the island at: w Hanalei Elementary School w Kilauea Elementary School w Anahola Hawaiian Homes Clubhouse w Kapaa Elementary School w Kapaa Neighborhood Center w Koloa Neighborhood Center w Kalaheo Neighborhood Center w Hanapepe Recreation Center w Waimea Neighborhood Center w Kekaha Neighborhood Center w Niihau Elementary and High School w Kapaa Middle School w King Kaumualii Elementary School w Elsie H. Wilcox Elementary School w Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School w Koloa Elementary School
in Lihue. This decision was a deviation from the plan that caused a key component of the plan to be delayed years. It is also part of the history of this issue that the mayor went big recommending a landfill site in Kalaheo on land that is growing Kauai Coffee. He later reversed course to focus on the Kalepa site now being vetted. We must proceed with this site, if we are further delayed, there is a huge looming crisis should we not complete this process before the Kekaha Landfill is truly (and finally) closed.
community is doing a good job with recycling and increasing their individual efforts. At the county level, automated collection is almost complete; Pay As You Throw is being established. Now those who throw less are rewarded by paying less. We are moving to a threecan system, one for mixed recyclables, one for greenwaste, and the smallest one for disposable waste. Together the county and citizens are improving our effort; recycling numbers are up and will continue to rise.
How can the county improve current recycling programs and attitudes toward it? Education, education, education. I believe the county can do much more to outreach and educate. What we’re doing is fine, we just need to do more. The
What needs to be done to address the condition of Kauai’s roads and traffic on the island? The state has finally admitted they’re not going to invest in mauka highway. Bypasses and contraflow are here for the foreseeable future. There are still fine-
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tuning and bypass creative type measures available that we are currently studying. However, maximizing efficient use of the existing travel lanes is essential for future growth. Investments in the bus system, complete streets, bike lanes and targeting housing growth near job centers are all part of the adopted county transportation plan I support. Our new community plans for Lihue and the South Shore incorporate form-based codes that will allow investors flexibility to build desirable high-density mixed-use neighborhoods that locate services near homes cutting down on the need for driving in the first place. Everywhere economic realities are causing us all to re-examine our transportation choices. Families save a tremendous See bynum, 5 thegardenisland.com
Carvalho Continued from 3 Kuapapa, which will revive the ancient system of land divisions and create more focus on decision-making that is place-based. We have also been working to create stewardship agreements with Native Hawaiian groups in each of Kauai’s six moku. The restoration of the Kaneiolouma heiau complex in Poipu is a shining example of how stewardship can create a sense of pride and ownership through collaboration. Should Kauai be doing more to promote tourism and why? We must support our visitor industry and right now I think our efforts are bearing fruit. Visitor arrivals are up 28 percent
from 2009 levels. At the same time, we work collaboratively with our friends in the industry to ensure that we care for our aina and our residents first and foremost. The North Shore shuttle is a great example of how we can positively address the environmental stresses that our visitor industry places on our natural resources and our infrastructure. Solutions like these are achievable and our business partners are more than happy to work on creating and sustaining them. At the same time, we are working to diversify our economy by expanding agriculture opportunities, creating infrastructure to attract a thriving digital media economy and creating more job opportunities in high-tech and the health and wellness industries.
Bynum Continued from 4 amount when they can manage their home with one car instead of two. Where do you see the island of Kauai in 20 years? Kauai is the most desirable and unique visitor experience in the world with its focus on Hawaiian culture, Aloha and ethnic diversity. Kauai is the ultimate destination for active and health conscious visitors interested in wellness and self-renewal. Growth in the visitor sector has been managed and incremental and compliments the niche agricultural industries that Kauai is now famous for. Kauai has also become a haven for the engineering, high tech, entertainment, and creative arts businesses now technologically untethered from large
population bases. A “lei” of public access paths and trails surround the islands allowing locals and visitors unprecedented access to the natural beauty and natural resources of the island. The County of Kauai serves as a collaborative partner with numerous community groups that are providing stewardship to Malama aina. What are your thoughts about the Hawaiian sovereignty movement? Native Hawaiians have legitimate, unresolved issues recognized by the state of Hawaii. The proper way to redress these grievances is the question that in the long run must be answered. Sovereignty to what extent, in what form or governing structure are the unanswered questions as I understand them. There seems little consensus on approach even among those who advocate strongly for sovereignty. I wish I had
something more to add to the conversation. For now, I continue to learn. Should Kauai be doing more to promote tourism and why? Yes! When the economy turned in 2008 our county made an unprecedented $1 million dollar grant to the Kauai Branch of the Visitors Bureau that I support easily. Sue Kanoho and her team put together a great program to shore up the base and fill empty rooms. It worked. While $1 million was a big deal for Kauai, yet Maui was in the practice of funding the Maui branch of the visitor bureau over $3 million every year, year in and year out. We need to make a sustained investment in KVB as a normal part of our budget, not have them come begging every year. They have proven themselves over and over again. There is probably no better return on investment that the county can make for our community.
The industry is our bread and butter and there are no better hosts in the world than our people on Kauai. What are your proposals to help the county operate more efficiently? For years I have been attending smart growth, and planning conferences, I have promoted the use of meaningful community plans that guide our growth and development and include the wisdom and desires of our communities. I have introduced and passed laws that were technical and at times unpopular because they were fair to citizens and allowed efficient realistic management by the county without huge overhead and ongoing expenses. I have advocated targeted investments in technology to improve efficiencies and keep new hires at a minimum.
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Kauai County Councilmember What should the county’s role be in monitoring the activities of Kauai companies that use pesticides and genetically modified organisms? We should continue to be responsible for the health and safety of people within the extent of our lawful ability and until a final decision is passed from our state incumbent court clarifying preemption. Because of its sensitivity, everyone, including governw Age: 43 ment, business and w Education: Bachelor of Arts/ business in marketing University of homeowners should be responsible for the use of pesHawaii at Manoa ticides according to the law w Work experience: Kauai and further if questionable County Council, vice chairman, 2013-present; Kupu A’e, Kauai Team impact is at stake. We need Challenge, President, 2002-present; to work with the state to Leadership Kauai, executive director, support the collection of 2006-2011; Native Hawaiian Educa- data necessary to validate tion Association, executive director, dangers to the community. It 2003-2005; Kauai Fire Department, is crucial that every agency, fire rescue specialist, 1994-2004 health institution and comw On Kauai: Born and raised munity action group work
together to assist those who believe they are suffering negatively from pesticide exposure. As a human, it is a moral responsibility to assist our neighbors, family and friends whenever they are in need. As a Hawaiian, it is important to consider the negative impacts of chemicals to our aina. This is the Kauai way.
What should the county’s role be in monitoring the activities of Kauai companies that use pesticides and genetically modified organisms? Ideally, the county, state, and agriculture companies would work together to ensure the island is not exposed to pesticide or pollen drift. The counties have the right to protect the health of the land and people. The state has the direct responchallenger sibility but is not doing an adequate job. The citizens’ movements of concern w Age: 52 w Education: B.S. computer engineer- across the islands and the world have shifted the coning, Northern Arizona University w Work experience: Engineer at Intel versation to awareness of Corporation three years; Hanalei Surf the need for more healthful Company & HSC Backdoor- 18 years practices beyond simply following the labels of the reproprietor; support teacher 4 years stricted use pesticides as Hanalei and Kilauea elementary prescribed by the federal schools; Akamai Learning - school government. These are indirector - alternative middle school novative companies with five years considerable financial caw Lived on Kauai: 30 years pacity. Monies currently spent fighting citizen initia6 • Sunday, October 19, 2014
tives can be redirected to soil, air and water testing to ensure containment of the pesticides and pollen with government oversight. The worldwide market is demanding a more environmentally friendly product. The shift will happen. Kauai can become a leader in researching this new direction.
Mason chock sr.
Felicia cowden
ble when given the opportunity. The research further says that there’s less than an 8 percent variance in dumping that may occur, but has not been experienced in all cases. In addition, dumping is typically reserved for large items like refrigerators and cars as opposed to household garbage. This initiative is about changing behaviors, mindHow can the county sets and habits that are not improve current good for us, our environrecycling programs and ment, our checkbook and for attitudes toward it? the future of our children. The Pay as You Throw These are enough reasons program is a current effort for us to all change our attion our council agenda. We tude. utilized consultants and What needs to be done have researched the right to address the way to implement this and condition of Kauai’s the suggestion is to implement an 80 percent differen- roads and traffic on the island? tial to incentivize people to reduce their container and We must work closely thus increase their recycling with the state so expanding behaviors. Research says our routes and roads are that people step up to the re- done efficiently and timely, quest to be more responsitaking into consideration lo-
cal and visitor traffic. We are behind schedule on the DOT plan, but I believe it has the potential to alleviate much of the congestion we are currently seeing, especially in Kapaa, so we must be proactive at lobbying our state legislature to support appropriation of funds in completing this plan. Our county roads are on schedule to be redone with stronger and longer lasting material, however it costs more than the current process and needs to be supported by additional grant funding sources. The expansion of the bus system is important in high use areas. We need to shift our community’s use of the automobile by creating incentives for choosing the bus as a means of transit. Proper complete streets and form based code planning ensure walkable/ bikable communities.
Where do you see the island of Kauai in 20 years? Kauai is projected to grow by one-third more in 20 years. This increase will force us to address our planning needs as related to housing, employment, and transportation. By 2034, Kauai will be prepared for this growth. We will have a university focused on fostering the kind of careers our children can thrive in. Our main hubs around our island will be pulsing with mixed uses that capture the character of our towns while supporting economic activity. Our agricultural lands will be well supported with proper infrastructure while being used responsibly and diversely to support our local markets. Our natural resources will be protected through proper ordinances,
dumps, we were highly aware of the mountains of trash we were building. Managing one environmentally responsible landfill is a sound choice, but not necessarily fair to tolerant communities like Kekaha or Hanamaulu. People in other regions are barely aware that their trash is not thrown away; it is simply now in Kekaha. The proposed pay-as-you-throw system is a way of creating awareness of garbage production. Recycling is important. Not creating the rubbish in the first place is better. We all share in the expensive cost of a new landfill when we don’t change our behavior.
ward it through the arts and awareness. Partnering with Hoike television, the college, and artisans to help the community connect the dots of where products originate and end can be a fun and creative way to adapt behavior. People have the mistaken idea that recycling is the solution for creating unnecessary trash. Recycling is costly and difficult in our isolated environment. These aluminum cans and plastic bottles get shipped somewhere across the sea for some other community to deal with. That is not much of a solution. Drink the water from Kauai rather than buy it from 3,000 miles away. The community is outraged at Kauai Springs selling water from the island, yet any drink we purchase represents the “taking” from a far-away aquifer. Encouraging the creation of locally-based products is best.
Where do you see the island of Kauai in 20 years? Ideally in 20 years, Kauai is vibrant with the strengthened diversity of her cultural influences. The health of the land and citizens is a beacon to the world of what is possible. Aloha is evident. Drug abuse is rare. Neighborhood farming in community ag parks, public parks, small farms and yards provide about half the food on the island. Abundance is shared. Community commercial kitchens and cottage industry help to provide value-added products. Natural resources are managed with a strong influence of community-based subsistence fishing, agriculture and hunting. The wahipana (sacred places) of the Hawaiian people are valued high points. The Filipino Cultural Center is among gathering places that amplify the strengths of
How should the county address the solid waste that is being generated but also move toward the goal of establishing a new landfill? Finding a solution for solid waste begins with understanding the source of the problem. Again, this challenge stems from citizen behavior within central- How can the county improve current recycling ized services. Much of our programs and attitudes difficult-to-recycle waste comes from consumption of toward it? Education is better than imported goods with heavy regulation. The county can packaging. Locally grown improve current recycling food requires little packaging. When we had regional programs and attitudes tothe garden island
See chock, 7
See cowden, 7 thegardenisland.com
Chock Continued from 6 enforcement and in collaboration with our community. Our community members will take on larger roles in services county government once encumbered. We will be a community leading the world in utilization of alternative energy and waste solutions and we will succeed with aloha. How should the county address the solid waste that is being generated but also move toward the goal of establishing a new landfill? Our solid waste plan is progressive, needs close attention and proper oversight in order to materialize the outcomes outlined in it. The zero waste system is a cornerstone of the plan where waste is treated as a resource. Our council
needs to pass the forthcoming business, construction and demolition ordinances. We need to focus on getting the materials recovery facility sited and built so curbside recycling can be implemented. We could also support state level initiatives to have businesses that make products be more responsible for them through their life cycle “extended producer responsibility.� We need that same level of responsibility on all electronics and bulky items like matresses and couches, etc. Our new landfill needs to take all aspects of the solid waste plan into consideration in its establishment. What are your proposals to help the county operate more efficiently? We need a sustainable budget plan that will achieve our strategic plan. We will need to consider
the true cost of delivering services and prioritize its need. It will take better union negotiations and potential cuts in each department. Our residents should pay the true cost of service and not more. We will need to work close with state agencies to come up with aligned solutions that maximize our resources without duplicating services and processes while providing accountability measures. This will save on wasteful duplication. What we lack in money we will need to make up in human capital. This higher standard of excellence in public service will only be achieved with strong shared values, commitment and leadership ability by all. Transitioning from monetary motivations to true intentions of service will foster a culture that goes beyond the call of duty to achieve the needs of our community. SEE CHOCK, 9
Cowden
tion is about the same as it was before Hurricane Iniki, but the demand on the Continued from 6 roads is considerably more. our many cultures. Our Zoning and the preference commercial agriculture is an for large stores versus small example of healthy innovabusiness has a role in road tion. Small businesses are congestion. Encouraging encouraged as a financial mixed-use in village centers strength at an equal level with walkable streets will rewith our larger business en- duce traffic. We need to contities. Kauai is resilient nect more of our feeder through independence. roads into a web, rather than rely on one main artery What needs to be done of traffic. The nature of our to address the condistreets has a profound imtion of Kauai’s roads pact on maintaining our ruand traffic on the isral character. Providing the land? bus is important. Addressing Kauai’s traffic What are your thoughts problems requires more about the Hawaiian sovthan the simple building of ereignty movement? new roads. There has been a process of centralizing I am in agreement with services over the past 20 U.S. presidents Grover years that is a key contribu- Cleveland and Bill Clinton tor to our traffic problems. that the overthrow of the Everything from watching a Nation of Hawaii was wrong movie, to addressing a traf- and against American idefic ticket, grocery shopping, als. The Nation of Hawaii or buying school supplies had an ethnic mix and is often seems to involve a not simply a race of indigedrive to Lihue. Our populanous people. Kauai County
SEE COWDEN, 9
Cowden Felicia
KAUAI COUNTY COUNCIL - 2014
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VOTE
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is not the U.S. State Department and is not in the position of reinstating nationhood. The kanaka maoli represent our host culture. Their traditional methods of land management are of profound value. The world is experiencing environmental degradation and resource depletion. Kauai is wise to weave the core principals of their ahupuaa system into modern practices. We need the best of both mindsets. What is either good or bad for the traditional practices of the kanaka maoli is good or bad for Kauai in general, from tourism to our health. I respect their right to self-determination. Either way, let’s build a bright future together.
COWDEN, Felicia
Putting People First
Paid for by Felicia Cowden Ohana, 4191 Kilauea Road, Kilauea HI 96754
THE GARDEN ISLAND
Sunday, October 19, 2014 s 7
Kauai County Councilmember nology available. We live on an island where land space is limited. We need to be proactive in our decision making process.
while stimulating small business and higher education opportunity with high How can the county im- standards associated with prove current recycling land sea and life quality. programs and attitudes Paying special attention to toward it? the host cultural values, we Keep focused on the mar- will forever be Kauai Aloha. keting of Pay As You Throw, while continuing an educa- What are your proposals to help the county tional core effort with the operate more efficommunity via social ciently? groups, seniors and high schools. This is a great opEstablish department obportunity if we get everyjectives with specific meaone involved to participate. surable goals. Determine incumbent priorities and gain commitWhere do you see the ment form key Department island of Kauai in 20 w Originally from the Waianae Heads. Reduce programs How should the county years? Coast that show no true valued address the solid waste Stay focused and commit- results that are tangible by w Hightest education attained: that is being generated ted to the citizens current Associate of Science Kapiolani Tech, the Cost Control Commisbut also move toward University of Hawaii policy for future growth sion and Audit Department. the goal of establishing and development in the G.P. w Work experience: Certified Hotel a new landfill? General Manager Saint Paul , Minneplans, allowing incremental What are your thoughts about the Hawaiian sovsota; Hotel Resort Management 41 growth in current towns. Pay As You Throw is a What needs to be done good start, shipping to years, Tahiti, Rarotonga, Fiji Islands Protect designated import- ereignty movement? to address the condiw Kauai Resident: 45 years The Hawaiian host culH-Power in Honolulu can be ant ag lands and open tion of Kauai’s roads ture has very healthy core explored along with the Ma- spaces. Maintain our ecoand traffic on the isvalues that provide us with nomic resilience in visitor terial Recovery Facility. A land? a real sense of place and industry, strong military goal of opening a MRF in pride. The possibility of a Regardless of what has five years and building of a science and technology 8 • Sunday, October 19, 2014 t h e g a r de n i s l a n d
nation within a nation or a fourth political subdivision will support equal and fair treatment for the host culture and provide equitable opportunity within a new nation. E Ho’omanawanui be patient, have the courage to see it develop, give it support, it is the right thing to do.
Billy decosta challenger
w Age: 49 w Education: Two bachelor’s degrees, one in business administration, concentration in economics and another in education. Graduated from Humboldt State University in California and Chaminade University on Oahu. w Lived on Kauai: My family has been on Kauai for four generations.
Jay furfaro
What should the state’s role be in monitoring the activities of Kauai companies that use pesticides and genetically modified organisms? Public disclosure implies a right to know by requesting a reporting requirement of pre- and post-field treatments that should not be a difficult review or interfere with the conducting of field trails. This is currently an Occupational Safety and Health Administration standard as well as a Material Safety Data Sheet standard required for employees. Employee health and wellness is a requirement by other political subdivisions and a high standard priority by employers.
quire immediate attention. Our air quality should be monitored. Days with strong winds should be off limits to any spraying. Moderation is the key to a successful and healthy environment. How can the county improve current recycling programs and attitudes toward it? Our county needs to provide a more convenient recycling plan that gives our home and business owners an incentive to recycle. We need to make intelligent and cost friendly decisions before we have illegal dumping of trash all over our beautiful island.
have on Oahu. Fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh milk from our dairy, fresh goat milk and cheese from a coop company owned by local residents, a moi fish farm, where we can serve fresh moi in our local restaurants, a strawberry farm halfway up Kokee, and local farmers growing grain corn, wheat and barley to be used to finish our grass fed beef. Upon reaching market size, our local cattle would spend the last 90 days in a local feed lot where they would consume local grown gains in order to marbleize its meat and get it ready for slaughter. A partnership with Gay & Robinson, who owns 58,000 acres, could be a possibility.
ate our personal finances, don’t spend what we don’t have. Tough cuts are needed to ensure our future generations do not absorb our debt. Doing more work with less people both on the management and union departments. Educating our public and county employees that this is the only solution. Raising property taxes are not the way to go. We are taxing our local families right off their lands. How should the county address the solid waste that is being generated but also move toward the goal of establishing a new landfill? Our landfill in Kekaha is at its max capacity and we should have had a trash conversion plant built to burn trash to energy over a decade ago. Other countries are successfully doing it with the most modern tech-
What should the county’s role be in monitoring the activities of Kauai companies that use pesticides and genetically modified organisms? The state should have qualified inspectors monitoring the use of pesticides and the possible effects GMOs have on our environment. Soil, air, and stream testing should take place on a regular basis to record data needed to make important health care and environmental decisions. Certain pesticides like Round Up take about 6 months to break down in our soil. Crops being grown should be rotated, giving our soils time to recover. Other chemicals that don’t break down should not be used. Our water quality and aquatic life in our streams should be monitored. Any negative reaction would re-
Where do you see the island of Kauai in 20 years? I envision Kauai to be a more diversified agricultural community. We need more local farmers growing food for our 1.2 million people we been said about our current bond rating of AA – this county does have financial leverage for one time borrowing to bring our most heavily used roads up to par, especially our industrial roads nearest to harbors, industrial parks and airports. The county owns 300 miles of roads. Slurry seal for least used roads is an option but we must do 25 miles of road in at least a 12-year cycle and a 7-year cycle on the heaviest used roads along with federal grant monies.
What are your proposals to help the state operate more efficiently? Our state is in a multimillion dollar deficit, we need to cut spending. Operate our county like we’d opernew landfill facility in Kalepa are both a must.
Should the state, or Kauai in particular, be doing more to promote tourism and why? Promoting tourism is a good thing. We are a tourist-based economy. What we need to do is advertise Kauai as a cultural experience. Tourists want to learn our ways and lifestyles. Let’s teach them to make the pig in the imu then experience the luau. Teach them how to paddle canoe, fish, throw or lay fish net, and or spear fish for dinner. Take them hunting and gathering for their dinner. Tourists would then appreciate our cultural ways of life and respect our culture even more. See DECOSTA, 9
Should Kauai be doing more to promote tourism and why? To provide for our current level of visitors, we must first have our total entitlement share of the Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) re-established by the state. One in every five persons on any day on island is a valued visitor. Those visitors make demands on service such as police, fire, lifeguard, road repairs, park facilities and utilities. This makes spending more on marketing difficult while the state caps our hotel and resort occupancy tax. thegardenisland.com
Cowden Continued from 7 come most efficient is a challenging task. We need a review of our most critical needs compared with where we are spending the money. Core infrastructure is in decay that is hard to fix like the scale at the Kekaha Landfill and the water failures we have been experiencing. Basic services need to come first. We would be wise to streamline the many regulations that are difficult and expensive to enforce but are painful to the few who comply. The judicial system is an area that could be more efficient. We adjudicate poverty in a manner that can require a devastating amount of court time for a small infraction. Do we need three police cars for a single traffic ticket? Not replacing retiring workers is preferable to laying off staff. Difficult choices will be necessary.
Should Kauai be doing more to promote tourism and why? There are fresh ways that Kauai could be promoted to visitors. The nature of how we target tourism is important. Most visitors come to Kauai because they want an authentic experience in which they participate with the people rather than to be served by what may feel like a resentful population. In addition to the hotels that do a wonderful job of creating jobs that support cultural practices, we can strengthen heritage, eco, and agri-tourism. Encouraging restorations like Kaneiolouma Heiau in Poipu has great value. The visitor wants to see a unique island culture that is thriving in a sustainable manner. What is good for the local residents is enriching for the guests. Tourism is of great value to Kauai and is a part of our kuleana to the world. Both policymakers and business need to ensure that the home population is treated with the highest priority.
What are your thoughts about the Hawaiian sovereignty movement? The subject of sovereignty is complex, polarized and filled with mistrust and misconceptions. How-
ever, it is clear that restitution for the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian Monarchy needs to be addressed. How or what it materializes into is the big question. I see sovereignty as an opportunity to unite all people who call Hawaii home in a positive way. Sovereignty could serve as an avenue to really address some of our major socio-economic issues that we have not been able to solve in our current system. It would be an opportunity to reset. Too often we focus on what we intend to lose rather than what we could all collectively gain.
cane haul road that goes through the tunnel. A bypass route that goes from Puhi to Kapaa is a must. Continued from 8 What are your thoughts What needs to be done to adabout the Hawaiian soverdress the condition of Kauai’s eignty movement? roads and traffic on the isI married a local Hawaiian girl land? and am raising three sons to perpetWe need alternative routes to offuate their culture. In a perfect world, set our traffic problems. We need I would like to see our native Hawaito work in partnership with large ians of this land get justice, but our landowners like A & B and Grove federal government will never relinFarm. Creating routes from Koloa to Lihue through the old sugar quish their governing status. I be-
lieve and perpetuate getting the highest levels of education which will enable you to survive and compete in this society. My wife had a dream of obtaining a piece of Hawaiian homeland, yet because of her blood quantum, we don’t qualify. Through hard work and wise investing, in 2002 my wife and I purchased a 10.5-acre ranch with two homes on the property. We then, through hard work and pinching pennies, built a third home. We purchased our own Hawaiian Homeland dream.
Chock Continued from 7 Should Kauai be doing more to promote tourism and why? Tourism is an important industry on Kauai and we should continue to promote it. I would like to expand the current arts and culture festivals to attract tourism. We should also expend our energy in developing new industries and economic opportunities that take into consideration the continual fostering of our island’s unique beauty and pristine
DeCosta
environment. Kauai could serve the world as a model of self-sufficiency and sustainable practices for those seeking knowledge and insight, but we need to expand our educational foundations to support it. This in turn could support emerging interests in agri-tourism, eco-tourism and cultural revitalization.
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thegardenisland.com
THE GARDEN ISLAND
Sunday, October 19, 2014 s 9
Kauai County Councilmember
gary hooser incumbent
w Age: 60 w Kauai Resident: 34 years. w Education: B.A. Public Administration U.H. West Oahu, AA Kauai Community College w Work experience: Kauai County Council 2012 to present; Chair Economic Development, Agriculture and Sustainability, Intergovernmental Affairs; State of Hawaii Director of Office of Environmental Quality Control (2011 – 2012); State Senator, Kauai and Ni’ihau (2002 – 2010); Business owner (1985 – 2002)
ross kagawA
incumbent
w Age: 48 w Education: Graduated from the University of Hawaii – Manoa — and lettered in baseball— with a bachelor’s in business administration – accounting. Chaminade University bachelor’s degree in special education. w Work experience: Gerald Ushijima, CPA and as a staff accountant and senior accountant for Business Decisions Hawaii, Inc. Accounting Manager County of Kauai – Legislative Analyst for five years, convention hall and stadiums manager for two years and on the Kauai County Council for two years. State Department of Education - special education teacher for 14 years. w Lived on Kauai: Lived on Kauai my life except for college and four years working in Honolulu Waimea High School.
eas and the related infrastructure. In addition a robust public transportation system that includes smaller buses servicing feeder routes will be needed together with staggered work/school hours What needs to be done and additional support to address the condition small work at home opporof Kauai’s roads and tunities thus avoiding intraffic on the island? creased commuter traffic. The County of Kauai is perpetually behind in its How can the county road maintenance, as is ev- improve current ery other county in the recycling programs and state of Hawaii. The fundattitudes toward it? ing available for new road See above. construction and ongoing maintenance is woefully in- What should the county’s role be in adequate to meet the monitoring the needs. The solution is a activities of Kauai comprehensive one that companies that use involves: The prioritization and focus on the heav- pesticides and ily used primary roadways genetically modified organisms? combined with compreIt is unfortunate that hensive planning that puts new development in or ad- these large companies have jacent to existing urban ar- chosen not to comply with
How should the county address the solid waste that is being generated but also move toward the goal of establishing a new landfill? The county should aggressively follow the basics of re-use, recycle and reduce and all public policy should be designed to support these principals utilizing both incentives and disincentives. People and businesses should pay for the actual cost of disposing of their rubbish instead of the county and taxpayers publicly subsidizing the throwing away of trash. Those companies that bring in the items that turn into trash need to be responsible for taking this same trash away. The county has policies that address tires, batteries and other such items and we need to expand
these programs. The general public should not have to pay to subsidize the large businesses, large consumers and those that contribute in excess of their fair share.
What needs to be done to address the condition of Kauai’s roads and traffic on the island? We need to do a 100 times better in maintaining our roads. Puhi Road is an embarrassment. To wait this long on such a highly used road is unimaginable. Whatever it takes, we need to get the job done. I am ready to do my part as a councilmember. As far as traffic is concerned, we need to keep working with the state government to solve or improve the morning traffic near the Tunnel of Trees, with additional lane(s), contra flow alternatives or better timing of traffic lights in Puhi during morning rush hours. As far as Kapaa, we need to work with the state and federal governments to improve or develop better flow on traffic in the Kapaa
Town and Wailua areas. Bottleneck areas should always be looked at for improvements so people can spend more time with their families and less in traffic.
10 • Sunday, October 19, 2014
What should the county’s role be in monitoring the activities of Kauai companies that use pesticides and genetically modified organisms? We should work closely with the federal and state governments who have the expertise and legal oversight over the seed companies and their use of pesticides on Kauai. Testing should be done in and around homes, farms, and businesses that think their health and lively hood is being negatively affected. Tests should also be done to soil, waterways, etc. in the area to provide
information and evidence regarding the effect of those pesticides on our precious aina.
the modest requirements of disclosure, buffer zones and a basic study of the impacts of the industry on the health and environment of our community. No study evaluating industry impacts on our health and environment has ever been conducted and our community is entitled to at least this. The current voluntary program is insufficient, does not include the disclosure of any general use pesticides such as glyphosate and provides only limited data. While we need to (and we are) press the state and federal government to enforce existing state and federal laws, we must also encourage the state to increase its regulatory efforts by passing statewide laws requiring increased basic protections. In addition, Kauai County could use its
zoning authority to prohibit this type of industrial activity near schools, hospitals, homes and sensitive water ways.
because we assume people can pay.
no means is it an easy step because there needs to be a process to include all Hawaiians in deciding what they want as a whole. Once that is decided, whichever governing body whether it be the federal, state, or county government then needs to see how to give them what they want as retribution for all the wrongdoings done to the Hawaiian people in the past. That is my opinion on how I would suggest making progress on this very difficult issue.
Where do you see the island of Kauai in 20 What are your years? proposals to help the In 20 years, I hope to see county operate more most of our keiki still living efficiently? here and raising their First of all, we need to cut families here on this island out the unnecessary we all love so dearly. If we spending at the county in all don’t start running this departments. Everyone county better and more needs to share the burden efficiently, I am deeply to make our government do concerned about the future more with less. The of Kauai. I also hope to see recession combined with that Kauai looks quite the continued increases in real same as it does estate prices and increased development wise, keeping taxes at all levels including Kauai “Kauai.” Finally, I the federal, state and hope to see better roads, county have caused us to parks and safety for all to re-look at how we run use and share. government. What are your thoughts Second, property tax reform is needed to respect about the Hawaiian sovereignty movement? people’s rights to live the The Hawaiian community way they want with reasonable property taxes. needs to determine by We need fair taxation for all priority what they want. or our residents, not taxing That is the first step and by
the garden island
Where do you see the island of Kauai in 20 years? Our island will still be one of the best places on Earth. We will have taken the tough steps today to preserve and protect our natural environment and future generations are still able to enjoy the natural beauty. Because we have been good stewards and guarded our resources carefully, our visitor industry will be the strongest in the world as people flock to visit Kauai but are limited to making their reservations years in advance because of our strict limits on growth. Our communities See hooser, 11
How should the county address the solid waste that is being generated but also move toward the goal of establishing a new landfill? We need to engage in waste to energy as soon as possible. There are companies out there who See kagawa, 11 thegardenisland.com
Hooser Continued from 10
remain familiar but perhaps slightly denser from the increased number of affordable homes built for local residents. This has resulting in vibrant walking, biking and people oriented neighborhoods. Farmers markets abound, Kauai provides 100 percent of its own clean grass fed beef, all of its own salad greens and small tropical fruit farms are everywhere. There is a plethora of small high quality and profitable family farms.
What are your thoughts about the Hawaiian sovereignty movement? Hawaiian sovereignty is a complex issue but starts with the acknowledgement that the overthrow of the Hawaiian Nation was wrong. This
fact has been acknowledged by many both in academia and in government including former President Bill Clinton via the Apology Resolution. I look to the leadership within the Hawaiian community to provide direction and to develop the unity of vision needed to take us forward. Should Kauai be doing more to promote tourism and why? The best way for Kauai County to support tourism is to support good planning, top notch park facilities, good roads and environmental protection. So long as Kauai remains a wonderful place to live and work, then visitors will continue to come. We need to support a small scale agricultural tourism program where visitors can tour the
farms that grow the food sold to their hotels. We need to pay attention to our park facilities that continue to be in a deplorable condition at many of our beach parks. Each of our towns needs to be supported in their regular art walks and first Friday/Saturday type events. If we focus on keeping Kauai fun, safe and beautiful for local residents then the visitors also will benefit. What are your proposals to help the county operate more efficiently? Kauai County must tighten its belt, freeze hiring and resist the urge to expand services until the budget situation stabilizes. The current property tax structure requires close scrutiny and needs to be reformed in many areas. The property tax
burden on rank and file residents must be reduced, and a stable predictable tax system must be put into place. The practice of subsidizing the property tax rates of large corporations must end. Outsourcing of certain county services such as building permit approvals may be needed. Expediting the building permit process can be accomplished by outsourcing permit approvals to qualified and fully bonded third party vendors who can conduct the plan review professionally and expeditiously. These third party vendors would have strict licensing requirements, work under contract with the County of Kauai and be financially responsible as to the quality of the work.
Kagawa Continued from 10 are willing to do it, we need to weed them out and move with a contract that will have a contract termination date for non-performance. Waste to energy will create cleaner energy and reduce solid waste going into the landfill by up to 80 percent. The new landfill site in my view is not an ideal site because of the lack of infrastructure but I currently don’t have an alternative site of my preference. A successful waste to energy contract may eliminate the need for doing a new landfill in the foreseeable future. How can the county improve current recycling programs and attitudes toward it? We need to copy successful counties or cities like Seattle or countries like Japan and use whatever techniques are applicable to Kauai. There is no need to re-invent the wheel, other places are doing it a lot better than we are. Should Kauai be doing more to promote tourism and why? We should be doing more to promote tourism because it is our bread and butter. A healthy tourism market makes for a strong economy for Kauai.
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JoAnn for Council Vision Experience Proven Results www.JoAnnYukimura.com Paid for by JoAnn Yukimura’s Many Friends, PO Box 187, Lihue 96766 Neil Clendeninn Chair, 635-7346 thegardenisland.com
THE GARDEN ISLAND
Sunday, October 19, 2014 s 11
Kauai County Councilmember
arryl kaneshiro challenger
w Age: 33 w Highest Education: Bachelor’s degree, Pacific University w Work History: 2007-present – project specialist, Grove Farm Company, Inc; 2003-2007 – senior accountant, Schwindt & Co., Portland, Oregon. w Number of years lived on Kauai: My entire life except for time away for college and work.
What should the county’s role be in monitoring the activities of Kauai companies that use pesticides and genetically modified organisms? The federal court has already determined that this responsibility remains solely with the state. We as an island need to return to our farming and ranching roots by promoting agriculture in all its forms.
How should the county address the solid waste that is being generated but also move toward the goal of establishing a new landfill? We all have a responsibility to manage and prevent waste. We should be encouraging recycling and diversion programs that are truly user friendly. These proWhat needs to be done to address the condition grams should be incentive based rather than punitive of Kauai’s roads and and be as cost effective as traffic on the island? possible. We need to explore and work with state and federal How can the county government programs that improve current are available to help subsirecycling programs and dize our county road costs. attitudes toward it? We also need to invest in The county needs to promore preventative maintevide cost effective recycling
How should the county address the solid waste that is being generated but also move toward the goal of establishing a new landfill? Continue implementing the Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan maximizing waste diversion and ensuring access to adequate disposal capacity. I haven’t supported Waste-to-Energy because I saw projected capital cost as prohibitive ($92 million) challenger and energy production as insufficient (10 percent). I also w Age: 52 saw it as a “pessimistic” apw Highest education attained: proach not accounting for Bachelor of Science degree in increased recycling and debusiness administration from the creased consumerism. Like University of the Pacific in Stockton, the mayor, I think it’s worth California. another look to see what the w Work experience: Director of oper- latest technology is and to ations, YWCA of Kauai for four years see what might be feasible. and as project manager at Kauai The new landfill being loCommunity College for three years. cated in the greater Lihue w Years on Kauai: I’ve lived on Kauai, area brings it much closer to all my life except for nine years in our highest residential densouthern California and two years in sity Kapaa area and greatly Washington, D.C. reduces the amount of haul12 • Sunday, October 19, 2014
kipukai kualii
nance versus reactive repair. Fixing roads that have too many potholes costs more than simply checking roads and putting sealant.
ing, saving the county fuel costs and lessening fuel emissions on our environment. Environmental impacts must be mitigated in order to protect agricultural lands and ground water. And, a host community benefit of up to $1 million dollars should be provided once the new landfill is operational.
programs that encourage recycling. We need to continue and build on educational efforts to inform the public about their role in our island’s waste management system. Where do you see the island of Kauai in 20 years? The strength of our island lies with our residents and their resilience. We have been through a lot in the past (hurricanes, recessed economy, etc.), but have always bounced back by sticking together and working through our struggles. In the next 20 years, I see this island reaching our common goals of job growth, housing, environmental stewardship, and actual government accountability. I see a flourishing agriculture and tourism industry that works hand in
that would work within the existing governmental establishment and structure. I support the state and federal recognition of a new native Hawaiian governing entity that is created democratically by native Hawaiians who register and vote to do so. I support the state Office of Hawaiian Affairs working with the largest statewide, democratic native Hawaiian organizations like the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement and the Sovereign Councils of the Hawaiian Homelands Assembly to put forward an inclusive and democratic constitution-forming process.
What are your thoughts about the Hawaiian sovereignty movement? My personal thoughts about Hawaiian sovereignty as a native Hawaiian community organizer and a leader in my extended ohana is one of moderation and realism. I do not supShould Kauai be doing port the extreme position more to promote of full independence even tourism and why? though principle may dictate that is the only full repDirect promotion tours to faraway places like Canaration for the overthrow. My support instead is for a ada, Japan and China should mechanism of native Habe left to the state’s Hawaii Tourism Authority and the waiian self-determination the garden island
hand to promote each other. I see a state of the art solid waste program that not only separates our solid waste, but also converts it to energy. Ultimately, we will leave Kauai a better place for our children than the one in which we ourselves were born. What are your proposals to help the county operate more efficiently? We definitely need to look at cost-cutting opportunities. Among the many strategies available, we need to inventory our county physical assets and better prioritize maintenance and repair to avoid having to purchase vehicles or construct new buildings. We also need to improve the budgeting process and allow departments to cut their budgets, while
Hawaii Visitors Bureau. Our own county leaders and resources should remain here focused on our core services and programs. Of course, when it comes to creating jobs, diversifying our economy, protecting our aina (environment) and maintaining our parks and beaches, I’m fully supportive knowing this focus serves both our residents and tourists. Our county should support incentives for job creation in the agri- and eco-tourism industry. Our county should also support the “greening” (maximizing reduce, reuse and recycle; zero waste efforts) and the “renewing” (clean, renewable energy alternatives) of our tourism industry here on our Garden Island. Finally, I also feel strongly that our county should work with community leaders, hotel staffers and local tourism experts on enhancing and improving the “Kauai experi-
still maintaining the confidence and ability to increase it in future years for needed expenditures.
What are your thoughts about the Hawaiian sovereignty movement? Native Hawaiians should have the right to self determination. We should support efforts to preserve and perpetuate our host culture including efforts by OHA and DHHL. Should Kauai be doing more to promote tourism and why? Yes, but responsibly. We cannot deny tourism drives our economy and we need to sustain the opportunity it brings. However, we also need to seek balance between our growing visitor industry and maintaining our island’s rural characteristics.
ence” for in-state and out-ofstate visitors.
How can the county improve current recycling programs and attitudes toward it? Increase outreach and education support for MAX 3R (reduce, reuse and recycle), zero waste principles and conservation. Introduce a “green and clean,” biodegradable plastic bag option that meets the requirements of the county’s plastic bag ban. Increase the promotion of free composting bins provided by the county by possibly taking them out to and demonstrating them at large community events; especially those covering nature, agriculture, gardening and/or the outdoors. Fully implement islandwide curbside recycling with lower fee-for-use rates as an incentive for participation referred to as Pay As See kualii, 13 thegardenisland.com
Kualii Continued from 13 You Throw or “first can free.” Improve current attitudes by ensuring that the current fee of $72 for 96 gallon cans would not be increased – but, that instead when the smaller cans are made available they would be charged at less than $50 having the cost savings as the incentive to switch to a smaller can and having less trash requiring county collection and disposal. What should the county’s role be in monitoring the activities of Kauai companies that use pesticides and genetically modified organisms? The county (mayor, council and all residents) should collaborate with, motivate, lobby, organize and push the state and federal
governments to appropriately address the comprehensive regulation of pesticide use by all individuals, companies, associations and government entities to protect our basic health and safety. As for GMO, I support the basic right to truthful, transparent information about what is in our food. Even if the county isn’t the correct legal jurisdiction, we must do whatever we can to push our Legislature and governor to assist us in pushing Congress to require labeling of our foods. Vermont, Connecticut and Maine all have GMO labeling laws making sure their citizens can know what’s in their food. Sixty-four countries also have similar laws. As a Native Hawaiian and an environmentalist, I will always advocate and fight for our right to safe air, water and food supply, as well as a clean and healthful environment.
Where do you see the island of Kauai in 20 years? The island of Kauai is a national leader in sustainability and resiliency. We, as a society, are completely reconnected with our traditions and values, especially malama ‘aina (caring for our environment). We are solving our most pressing problems while preserving our island, culture and lifestyle. Development is informed by smart growth, complete streets and place-making principles. Solid waste challenges are met by aggressive maximum reduce, reuse and recycle programs, as well as community volunteer zero waste efforts. Energy challenges are met by KIUC’s clean, renewable energy efforts in solar and hydro. Reformed real property tax system provides relief to residents and incentives to businesses. Inpatient drug treatment center provides successful family-based treatment and prevention
programs. Government leaders spend our tax dollars responsibly utilizing regular audits to prioritize county services and eliminate wasteful spending. Citizens have full access to government and our sunshine laws are the most progressive in the nation. What needs to be done to address the condition of Kauai’s roads and traffic on the island? We need to keep up with the maintenance and repair of our roads and partner with the state and others to develop alternative bypass routes. And, we need to continue and possibly expand the use of “contra-flow” lanes. We need to continually… 1) encourage alternative modes of transportation, 2) expand bus hours and routes where it makes economic sense, 3) support our multimodal transportation plan
implementing bicycle and pedestrian-friendly streets, improvements to our shareduse paths, local roadway connectivity and safe routes to school, and, 4) increase Kauai Bus ridership by… a) completing the creation of bus shelters across the island, b) providing bulk discount bus passes to KCC students, the disabled and low-income through state and other nonprofit programs, and, c) incentivizing less cars on the roads by creating both a parking incentive program and a flexible work-week program for all county, state and other large employers on the island. What are your proposals to help the county operate more efficiently? In 20 years, our county annual budget has ballooned out of control from $40 million to $179 million. More recently, the current council majority has supported year-after-year of
budget increases along with increasing fees and property taxes. When I was on the council, Councilmember Rapozo and I were the only ones who voted against increasing the budget. I will help get our county back to financial stability and a top bond rating again. My proposals include… 1) Fiscally responsible budgeting (tightening our belts to prevent waste, inefficiencies and layoffs), 2) Cost control audits (allowing us to prioritize county services, programs and staff positions), 3) Position attrition (leaving potentially-duplicative or unnecessary vacated positions open for a period of time and then eliminating them if possible) and 4) Department consolidation (looking at which departments could be combined, which departments could become divisions and which divisions could become offices or programs).
d
thegardenisland.com
THE GARDEN ISLAND
Sunday, October 19, 2014 s 13
Kauai County Councilmember
darryl perry
challenger
joann yukimura incumbent
w Age: 64 w Education: Stanford University, B.A., Psychology; University of Washington Law School, J.D. w Work experience: Waimano Home for People with Severe Disabilities, Summer Internship (1968), Hanamaulu Cafe (1970), EPA, Region X Summer Internship (1972), State Legislature Minority Counsel (1974), Legal Aid Society (1975), Kauai Councilmember (1976-1980), Private legal practice (1980-1984), Kauai Councilmember (1984-1988), Mayor of Kauai (1988-1994), Vice President of Trenchless Engineering (1994-2002), Kauai Councilmember (2002-2008, 2010-present). w Years on Kauai: Born and raised, except for seven years of higher education.
What should the county’s role be in monitoring the activities of Kauai companies that use pesticides and genetically modified organisms? Although state and federal governments have statutes and rules in place to address these issues, nevertheless, the county must be proactive and aggressive in assisting in monitoring; and recommending enforcement actions of existing mandates if violations are identified that are related to the misuse or over use of pesticides and herbicides. What needs to be done to address the condition of Kauai’s roads and traffic on the island? The existing infrastructure is inadequate to meet the needs of the communities throughout the island. What needs to be done to address the condition of Kauai’s roads and traffic on the island? The county needs to embrace a new approach to traffic and roads. Instead of trying to solve traffic congestion by widening roads and building major bypasses, the county should aggressively implement its multi-modal land transportation plan by expanding Kauai Bus services and developing walkable and bikeable communities. This clears the roads for those who want or need to drive. We can also reduce congestion and save families money by putting housing closer to jobs. Even if there were a consensus to widen our roads and build major bypasses, which would be contrary to our goal of preserving our rural environment, there is not enough money to do it effectively.
14 • Sunday, October 19, 2014
On any given day, a serious traffic collision may necessitate the extended closer of major thoroughfares resulting in serious inconveniences to both residents and visitors. State and county departments of transportation in partnership with private and other public sectors must craft a long-term strategic master plan that addresses alternate routes and the maintenance of all roadways.
planning. It is imperative that we get this right by moving toward a waste to energy facility to capitalize on efficiency while moving away from unsustainable consumption of fossil fuels.
Where do you see the island of Kauai in 20 years? Historically, Kauai lags behind the other islands in terms of growth but by no means does that infer changes won’t occur. The How can the county im- Economic Development prove current recycling and Tourism statistics preprograms and attitudes dicts that for the County of toward it? Kauai, residential growth Recycling is the future of from 2015 to 2040 will inwaste management. The crease to 93,020. When you promotion of these coninclude daily visitors and cepts must be based on the military, the de facto popuHow should the county risk-benefit analysis, and lation is forecasted to be address the solid waste that can only come about 115,230; of which 23 perthat is being generated through proper education cent will be of age 65 years at community meetings. but also move toward or older. The changing dethe goal of establishing Needless to say, if there is a mographics will place a cost or fee attached to this much greater burden on a new landfill? The county is addressing program, there must be off- the county for services this issue in accordance to setting benefits so make it rendered by every segment statutory mandates which viable. I’m sure we can all of our government, espeincludes viable site assess- agree that dumping tons of cially those services protoxic wastes and plastics is vided to our seniors, and ments and recommendanot the way to preserve our as such we must prepare tions, community input, legislative (County Council) island home for future gen- today for the challenges of hearings, and long-term erations. tomorrow.
Should Kauai be doing more to promote tourism and why? The Kauai Visitor’s Bureau is doing a great job. On a daily bases, Kauai has about 23,334 visitors on island, which is about 30 percent of our island population. It should be noted that tourism is the largest economic driver for Kauai that creates jobs for our communities. It also augments our tax base to improve our infrastructure. Therefore, we should continue to promote tourism at all levels, but we must look at alternative economic drivers such as diversified agriculture and Kauai grown goods and services. Additionally, soliciting changes at the state Legislature to allow Kauai to keep a greater portion of the transient accommodation tax
The highway widening between Lihue and KCC alone has cost $80 million! We need a realistic, cost-effective approach to traffic congestion and future land transportation needs, which should include emergency-only bypasses on the east and west sides.
genetically modified organisms. However, the county should lobby for stronger state pesticide disclosure and buffer laws, as well as stricter and more effective enforcement. The county should also move forward with the environmental public health impact study and joint fact-finding process to provide a foundation for better monitoring and regulation.
How should the county address the solid waste that is being generated but also move toward the goal of establishing a new landfill? A landfill is necessary, but it can be downsized and made less costly to build and operate if the county puts into place a well-designed 3R system. To implement such a system, we need: 1. A Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) framework, not unlike our water system, where the more you throw away, the more you pay; 2. Curbside recycling and a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF)
where recycled items are sorted and baled into commodities to be sold; and 3. An education/outreach program that shows people how to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Several studies have shown that Waste-to-Energy is not practical or feasible for Kauai’s small population (some communities have gone bankrupt using Waste to Energy). WTE discourages recycling and creates far fewer jobs than the 3R system.
warded, and those who choose not to recycle should pay the actual costs incurred by their choices. Some of the presently negative attitudes toward recycling are that it is “too hard” or “too inconvenient.” When “Pay as You Throw” and curbside recycling are established, these attitudes will change. In general, the people of Kauai want to recycle. By providing a 3R system, we can transform the desire to recycle into actual recycling behavior.
How can the county improve current recycling programs and attitudes toward it? The county can improve current recycling programs by making recycling more convenient, easy, and financially rewarding. It can achieve these objectives by developing the 3R system described above. Recycling and reuse should be re-
What should the county’s role be in monitoring the activities of Kauai companies that use pesticides and genetically modified organisms?
the garden island
Unless Judge Kurren’s decision is overturned or state law is changed to authorize county regulation, the county does not have a role in regulating pesticides or
See perry, 15
What are your thoughts about the Hawaiian sovereignty movement? A grave injustice was done to the people in 1893 when Queen Liliuokalani was illegally overthrown and imprisoned. The kanaka maoli deserve to be supported in re-creating their nation. Exactly how this is to be done should be up to the kanaka maoli. See yukimiura, 15 thegardenisland.com
Kauai County Councilmember What should the county’s role be in monitoring the activities of Kauai companies that use pesticides and genetically modified organisms?
n
-
mel rapozo
The county’s role should be non-regulatory. I believe the county should act as a liaison between our residents and the state/federal governments, and ensure that all issues and concerns are forwarded to the proper agencies.
greatly over the past few years but we can do better. What are your proposals to help the county operate more efficiently? Reduce the existing duplication of services within the county. I would like to see management audits in all departments that will show us where efficiencies and be improved.
How should the county address the solid waste that is being generated What needs to be done but also move toward w Age: 50 to address the condithe goal of establishw Education: B.S. in criminology tion of the roads and ing a new landfill? w Work experience: Served on the Council for 10 of last 12 years; owns traffic on the island? In my estimation, Kekaha MPLSS, LLC We need to pay closer at- Landfill will reach its capacw Years on Kauai: Born and raised tention to our county roads ity before we are able to and make sure that we are construct a new landfill. We paving roads based on pri- need to look at alternative ority. We have improved technologies that will con-
incumbent
Perry Continued from 14
in providing the most efficient government possible.
What are your thoughts about the Hawould enhance our tax base which would relief the waiian sovereignty movement? burden that our residents The sovereignty moveare currently carrying. ments are looking for jusWhat are your propos- tice that was denied over als to help the county a century ago with the iloperate more effilegal overthrow of the Haciently? waiian Kingdom. Efficient government be- Unfortunately, the signing gins with effective leaderof the “Apology Resolution” ship and a team dedicated by then President Bill Clinand committed to tackle ton based on the Blount Rethe hard issues such elport, did not bring relief to derly affairs, property the Hawaiian people, betaxes and fees, GMO, pes- cause the resolution had ticides, sustainable agrino power of law. Moving culture, environment, forward the Hawaiian peod energy, affordable housple, the state of Hawaii, and ing, jobs, homelessness, federal government in coltransportation, crime, and laboration with internaresponsible government tional law must come to growth. Only with an efan agreement on how to fective team in place with correct the harm that has the mission of controlling been perpetuated against growth and over-spending the Hawaiian people for all can this county succeed these years. thegardenisland.com
vert our trash to energy. In try. Kauai is unique and we the interim, we simply have need to keep it that way. to increase our diversion of Should Kauai be doing trash to Kekaha. more to promote tourism and why? What are your thoughts about the Absolutely. We rely on Hawaiian sovereignty tourism for our economy movement? and the best thing we can do is to make the visitor exThe Hawaiian sovereign movement is legitimate and perience the best possible. This means clean and safe necessary. The county should facilitate, when pos- public areas, crime-free vacations, beautiful beaches sible, the movement as it and parks, etc. Marketing relates to restoring certain Kauai without the ability to rights to the native Hawaioffer our visitors a fabulous ians. vacation can be counter productive. Where do you see the island of Kauai in 20 How can the county imyears? prove current recycling programs and I hope to see Kauai reattitudes toward it? tain its rural character. Kauai is not Oahu or Maui, We need to make it conSan Francisco or L.A., or venient for residents to reany other city in the coun- cycle. Plain and simple.
Yukimura Continued from 14 Should Kauai be doing more to promote tourism and why? Kauai should always seek to be more effective in its tourism promotion. That said, Kauai Visitors Bureau Executive Director Sue Kanoho and the KVB board do an extraordinary job of keeping Kauai in the limelight while always watching out for the community. They know that the “product” Kauai offers is the visitor’s experience. For the experience to be a good one, we need to retain Kauai’s beauty and environment, relaxed atmosphere and aloha. Our community systems such as water, roads, police, and parks need to work well for visitors. Finally, in order for the aloha spirit to continue, the
tiana laranio challenger
Challenger Tiana Laranio declined to answer questions
cation, we have fields of food, fiber, and biofuels. Farms of various sizes move us toward food and energy sustainability. Our fashion, film, health industries and arts and cultural Where do you see the offerings are world renown. island of Kauai in 20 As the world moves toward years? peace, our military has adBecause we made the opted more peace-keeping right choices, Kauai and Ni- functions. Our children are confident, competent, ihau are prosperous, healthy and caring, each healthy and sustainable. Our ecology and beauty are has developed his/her gifts and is contributing them to preserved because we building our community. chose to live mainly in walkable and bikeable compact towns connected by a What are your proposals to help the county Kauai Bus that comes freoperate more effiquently, carrying surfciently? boards, groceries and luggage. Permanently afWe need competent defordable homes keep local partment heads of of the families on Kauai. Because highest skill and integrity, we chose not to overbuild not political appointments. and were vigilant against in- This is the best way to advasive species, Kauai is still dress waste and ineffiKauai, and visitors flock to ciency and applies to hiring our island. Due to diversifi- in general. If the mayor and people of Kauai must share in the prosperity of tourism. In short, taking care of residents may be the most effective way to promote tourism.
the garden island
commissions appoint great managers, and we provide good training for all employees, many of our problems—waste; legal liability risks such as sexual harassment and equal employment opportunity complaints; inefficient and ineffective use of limited resources—will fade away. Secondly, the mayor and council need to develop a strategic plan to focus resources more effectively and efficiently, tie the sixyear capital improvement program and annual budget to such plan. The administration and council need to better understand how to do and use feasibility studies. Thirdly, we — management, the unions and citizens — need to transform the collective bargaining system lest we face a future like Detroit’s where no one wins.
Sunday, October 19, 2014 • 15
State Representative - District 14
JONATHAN HOOMANAWANUI
(R) CHALLENGER
Z Age: 50 Z Highest education attained: M.S. in criminology from Regis University in Denver. Z Work experience: County of Kauai: Liquor Control officer. United States Army. Veterans of Foreign Wars. Kauai Veterans Council.
What needs to be done to address the condition of Kauai’s roads and traffic on the island? Let’s build upon the old military roads, creating alternative routes for Kauai. This will help create jobs for Kauai residents. We could even charge a 25 cent toll fee for using the highway to help build Kauai’s economy. Where do we get the money? From portions of the rental vehicle taxes, fuel taxes, motor vehicle taxes, unemployment insurance taxes, tour vehicle surcharge taxes, tobacco taxes, transient accommodations taxes, environmental response taxes, and conveyance taxes, which are all deposited into our Hawaii state “special funds� account, designated for the primary uses of highway construction, public education, hospital operations, etc. Consequently, portions of these taxes are deposited into the general fund. I foresee a problem — our tax dollars are pooled within the “special fund� and the “general fund.� Could this mean that our pub-
16 s Sunday, October 19, 2014
lic schools and hospital opera- and still remember making a pledge that I will be there for at tions are neglected due to non-prioritized interests, there- least five years. However, I am sick to my fore, mismanaging funds? stomach as I watch decisions What do you believe being made by followers inshould be done to help stead of leaders. The status address the current quo “gotta go.� Do you believe financial condition of the we have financial problems state’s public hospital now? Better start inquiring besystem, HHSC, which cause it is predicted that, if the operates Samuel Mahestate continues with these lona and KVMH? spending habits, by year 2016, The state, county and fedHawaii Health Systems Corpoeral governments have an obli- ration may be out of business, gation to the citizens. We are leaving the people without opall taxpayers and deserve and tions. The only option the govdepend on these services to ernment will have is raising exist. We are talking about taxes. I signed a pledge to not healthcare services for Kauai’s raise taxes while I am in office. residents. My family and This pledge forces me to seek friends are patients there. alternatives to better the comAgain, it seems as though we, munity. Change the leadership. the people, are at the opposite What should the state’s end of the stick and face a crirole be in monitoring the sis caused by mismanaging activities of Kauai funds. It’s frustrating to know companies that use that the same leaders with 10 pesticides and genetically to 18 years of political experimodified organisms? ence are trying to take office seats again — the same ones Personally, chemicals and who caused this downward pesticides need to be in comspiraling economy. I love my pliance with the laws. I would like to share a little information job as a liquor control officer,
with the community to help clear the mix-up. Consequently, these rules apply: The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act is the federal law that authorizes the United States Environmental Protection Agency to make and enforce pesticide rules for the entire United States. The Hawaii Pesticides Law is the State of Hawaii’s law that authorizes the Hawaii Department of Agriculture to make and enforce pesticide rules for Hawaii. What are your proposals to help the state operate more efficiently? Because the laws, policies, and charters prevents most, if not all, proposals to work, we need to fix that first. I can sit here and say, “I’m going to do this, and that, and sell this to the uninformed public, and they’ll probably buy into it.� Don’t believe everything you read or hear. Always ask yourself where the information came from. However, to be efficient, cutting cost is “critical.� One way would be working from home, minimizing over-
head. Second, bringing on another carrier or airline to create competition to reduce airfares. Third, use less gas at the pump by keeping our cars maintained and practicing good driving habits. Fourth, use private auditors to evaluate state’s Budget and Finance Department. Fifth, get rid of the entities funded by the state, which produce and provide the same kinds of services. Sixth, curtail the joblessness and homelessness by encouraging landlords and homeowners to hire and rent to these classes of people. In return, reward businesses with tax incentives. Lastly, I will propose to subdivide District 14 into six neighborhoods. Each neighborhood will have a volunteer representative to prevent communication barriers. Every citizen will know what proposals are being introduced, and prior to making the decisions, each representative will notify my secretary of the people’s choice; therefore, the people’s choice will be my choice.
EXPERIENCE LEADERSHIP DEDICATION I will do everything I can to respond to the needs of all the people and focus on FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY and GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY.
For Our People, For Our Islands
I humbly ask for your support and your vote! Endorsed By:
THE GARDEN ISLAND
0AID FOR BY +5!,)g) FOR +AUAI s 0/ "OX !NAHOLA () WWW KUALII COM s KIPUKAI KUALII COM
thegardenisland.com
State Representative - District 14
DEREK KAWAKAMI (D) INCUMBENT Z Age: 37 Z Highest education attained: B.B.A. business administration from Chaminade University in Honolulu Z Work experience: 2011 to present: Hawaii State Legislature House of Representatives 14th District. 2012-Present: Operations at MFM Inc. 2008-2011: Kauai County Council. 2006-2008: Kauai Island Utility Cooperative Board of Directors. 2002-2012: Operations at Big Save Inc. Z Number of years on Kauai: 30
thegardenisland.com
What should the state’s role be in monitoring the activities of Kauai companies that use pesticides and genetically modified organisms? The state’s role is to monitor air and water quality, regulate pesticide usage, and ensure public health and safety for all the people of Hawaii. As a state representative, we can work with federal and county regulators, the community, and the private sector to really analyze Kauai’s agriculture industry. I believe we should consider the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats we have currently in order to make good decisions as we move forward. Regarding labeling genetically modified foods, I agree that it should be done at the federal level, and I have drafted a resolution asking the appropriate agencies to implement a la-
beling program. I am sure that this is achievable.
fic, must be considered. Other areas of impact are at the north end of the bypass What needs to be done and include constructing to address the condition two-way lanes between the of Kauai’s roads and roundabout and Kuhio traffic on the island? Highway instead of one diI will respond specifically rection south as it currently to the Kapaa Corridor, as it exists. This may lighten up poses the heaviest traffic is- the traffic in Kapaa town. sues that need to be reWhat do you believe solved in the 14th District. should be done to help Our Transportation Solutions Study dealing with the address the current Kapaa “gridlock” is near financial condition of completion. A few smaller, the state’s public hospital system, HHSC, high-impact fixes may be implemented as follows: ad- which operates Samuel justment of the contraflow Mahelona and KVMH? hours to accommodate the Our two HHSC hospitals peaks during the work play a critical role in the week; an adjustment to lon- health and safety of our ruger hours on Saturdays has ral communities and must be preserved. In regards to shown improvements on the current financial condithe weekend; and the adjustment of the contraflow tion of our HHSC hospitals, going south during the we must begin by looking at week will work, however, a the low-hanging fruit, as well as the long-term susreverse contraflow going north at around 1:30 to 3:30 tainability plan. HHSC offip.m., due to the school traf- cials are currently
THE GARDEN ISLAND
undergoing cost-saving measures, but at a recent hearing, it was explained there are still opportunities to save money without cutting services. One idea is to incorporate an energy audit, as well as incorporating renewable energy technologies, to help reduce the amount of overhead cost to the operation. In the long run, the HHSC hospitals will need to take a look at their master plan that includes community input into incorporating public-private partnerships to develop workforce housing, assisted living facilities, and other appropriate and focused revenue generating sources of opportunity.
our education system, I would like to see more empowerment, flexibility and decision-making at the school level. I believe that each school serves different and unique communities, and one size does not fit all. I believe that principals and teachers know what is best for the particular area that they serve and should be allowed more latitude in their operation and delivery of services. One reason that the state isn’t operating as efficiently as possible is a direct effect of circumstances that are out of our control. The financial collapse that led to the Great Recession, catastrophic weather occurrences that affected visitor What are your proposals arrivals, and a slow econto help the state operate omy all formed to create the “perfect storm” of economic more efficiently? hardship that led to drastic This is a broad question budget cuts that has afwhen considering the slew fected the delivery of serof departments under the state’s purview. In regard to vices.
Sunday, October 19, 2014 s 17
State Representative - District 15
james tokioka
Council on the legality of County Council Bill 2491, nullifying the bill and in short, agreeing that it is the responsibility of the state and federal governments to oversee agriculture production. Three members of your Kauai delegation met with the governor’s administration to come up with the Good Neighbor Program. I believe this program addresses many of the concerns that CB 2491 tried to address: setbacks around hospitals and schools, the listing of pesticides that are sprayed for agricultural production, and the notification of when pesticides are sprayed. We also supported the addition of more inspectors in the Department of Agriculture.
the amount of money that Kauai collects from fuel tax revenue compared to what we spend on highway resurfacing projects like Kapule highway, Ahukini Road, Kuhio Highway (fronting The Garden Island newspaper), Kaumualii Highway’s four-lane widening and the Rice Mill bridge project, it is evident Kauai is doing very well in terms of the dollars that we put into the fuel tax special fund.
What should the state’s role be in monitoring the activities of Kauai companies that use pesticides and genetically modified organisms? Kauai seed companies are currently being monitored by federal agencies such as the USDA. To create more government bureaucracy at the state level in a dueling situation with the federal level is unnecessary. If we don’t trust a government agency at the federal level why would we trust one at the state level, unless we have biased agenda.
bidding in the same manner a private business would. Our island is in great need of more roadway to handle the traffic due to our growth in population and expansion of tourism. I propose we put in a bypass between Princeville and Knudsen’s Gap via the powerline trail with spokes connecting communities to that bypass instead of disrupting traffic and businesses in the Kapaa corridor.
What do you believe should be done to help address the current financial condition of the state’s public What should the state’s hospital system, HHSC, role be in monitoring which operates Samuel the activities of Kauai Mahelona and KVMH? companies that use In the eight years that I’ve pesticides and been the representative genetically modified from District 15, the two organisms? What needs to be done public hospitals on Kauai, In my opinion, it’s the to address the condition KVMH and Mahelona, have state and the federal govern- of Kauai’s roads and been under constant scrument’s responsibility to traffic on the island? tiny by the rest of the state oversee, monitor and reguWe are fortunate on Kauai because Kauai is the only islate the biotech companies land that has two public to have a great team at the statewide. U.S. Magistrate hospitals. It has been a chalDepartment of TransportaJudge Barry Kurren ruled tion, with Ray McCormick as lenge to get continued fundagainst the Kauai County their leader. If you compare ing for two public hospitals
(D) incumbent
steve yoder
(R) challenger
w Age: 59 w Highest education attained: B.A. from Arlington Baptist College in Arlington, Texas w Work experience: Tour guide at Kauai North Shore Limousine and Tours since 1994 w Years on Kauai: 44 years
What do you believe should be done to help address the current financial condition of the state’s public What needs to be done hospital system, HHSC, which operates Samuel to address the Mahelona and KVMH? condition of Kauai’s roads and traffic on the I propose an independent island? audit in regards to accounts receivable as a first step to Repair roads as soon as bring about a fiscal solution. possible through fair
18 • Sunday, October 19, 2014
when the counties of Maui and Hawaii Island have only one on each island. In the special session of 2013, an emergency appropriation of $7 million was approved to stop the closure of KVMH and Mahelona. The Kauai delegation, led by Sen. Kouchi, was instrumental in getting the emergency appropriation. I will continue to lobby for funding for the two public hospitals on Kauai, but I also know that our public hospitals need to work with Wilcox Memorial Hospital to prevent duplication of services and to provide the best affordable healthcare to the residents of Kauai. Where do you see the island of Kauai in 20 years? Some development is necessary to keep the economy growing and to offer our keiki o ka aina opportunities in order to make their lives in our state. But I can’t see Kauai being much different in 20 years, and to me, that is a good thing.
What do you believe should be done to address the dearth of a dispensing process for legalized medical marijuana? I don’t believe our state is experiencing a dearth of processing marijuana legally in Hawaii. If someone qualifies to use marijuana for medicinal purposes, it is allowed. As a side note, Colorado is experiencing an increase of the homeless flocking to that state since legalizing recreational marijuana. Do we want that problem? Where do you see the island of Kauai in 20 years? Continued growth in tourism and agriculture along with industry we cannot imagine today.
the garden island
What are your proposals to help the state operate more efficiently? I will continue to be a voice for businesses, and the health and welfare of our state. Government should be a conduit and not a road block. Thus, I think it’s important to pass laws that help and not hurt our communities. I think it’s equally important to make sure we prevent bad bills from passing that hurt businesses from thriving in Hawaii. What do you believe should be done to address the death of a dispensing process for legalized medical marijuana? I voted no on the medical marijuana bill and I also voted no on legalizing recreational marijuana. Having said that, we need to look at the medical marijuana process. One of the suggestions is that the state should be responsible for the production and distribution of medical marijuana. I certainly think there are other
Growth through lowering taxes and repeal of unnecessary regulations. What are your proposals to help the state operate more efficiently? The government that governs least governs best. Reducing the size of government bureaucracy and operate our government like you would any successful business: commonsense, attainable goals, accountability and results. Government shouldn’t be good intentions oriented, but results oriented.
options that should be considered. What are your thoughts about the Hawaiian sovereignty movement? As a native Hawaiian, I’ve always supported the rights and programs for native Hawaiians. Programs and departments like Alu Like, OHA, the Department of Hawaiian Homelands, and Kamehameha Schools have made progress for native Hawaiians. The questions I would have about a sovereign Hawaiian nation are: who would it be and what would it govern? Should the state, or Kauai in particular, be doing more to promote tourism and why? I believe the Kauai Visitors Bureau and the Hawaii Tourism Authority have been doing an excellent job in marketing the state and County of Kauai as evidenced by the record-breaking visitor counts over the past two years. I believe we should absolutely continue to promote and fund those two essential agencies.
governments: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand.”
Should the state, or Kauai in particular, be doing more to promote tourism and why? Tourism positively affects every sector of our economy, whether it be the hospitality industry, real estate, construction, restaurants, landscaping, etc. both statewide and countywide. If you want to discourage business in Hawaii, simply tax it and overregulate it. Repealing What are your thoughts unnecessary regulations about the Hawaiian and lowering taxes will sovereignty movement? only create a climate to President Abraham attract and grow business, Lincoln quoted Scripture in creating more jobs and increasing tax revenue. regards to opposing thegardenisland.com
State Representative - District 16 is not being compromised and is important. The state will employ additional environmental health specialists to monitor pesticide usage statewide to all businesses, including state and county government agencies and private residences. State personnel must respond to complaints and resolve them in a reasonable time period.
What do you believe should be done to address the dearth of a dispensing process for legalized medical marijuana? The recent Legislative Reference Bureau’s report will be a good guide for legislators to use in developing future policy to determine what is needed to better address the delivery of medical marijuana. We do need a What do you believe dispensary that can reshould be done to help search, process, grow and (D) INCUMBENT address the current fidispense medicinal marinancial condition of the juana in whatever form is state’s public hospital necessary for the patient. It Z Age: 58 isn’t just in its smoking Z Highest education attained: A.S. system, HHSC, which operates Samuel Mahe- form, but it could be vapordegree in accounting from Kauai ized, made into an oil, as lona and KVMH? Community College well as ingested in foods. Z Work experience: 2010 to present: Kauai hospitals were Hawaii State Legislature House of given emergency appropriaWhere do you see the Representatives District 16. 1974tions of approximately $10 island of Kauai in 20 2010: County of Kauai Civil Service/ million to help them out of a years? Personnel Services, Purchasing, huge financial hole late last I see communities workFinance, Wailua Golf Course, Parks year and this year. The ing together to decide what and Recreation Departments. greatest stumbling block for works best for their lifestyle, Kauai has been the installa- whether it be ocean reZ Years on Kauai: 40 years tion of an efficient electronic sources, safer transportation What should the state’s medical records system. designs and options, safer role be in monitoring This system will help with routes to school, as well as the activities of Kauai better billing and proper re- better emphasis on healthy companies that use pes- imbursements, as well as lifestyles. Kauai’s energy will ticides and genetically sharing information to other be sustainable through other modified organisms? care facilities for the benefit sources like solar, hydro and of patients. Kauai is fortuAny company or organibio-fuel. Our children will zation allowed to operate a nate to have two state-run have affordable access to hospitals. HHSC is the business in Hawaii should preschools. Our state hospi“safety net” for neighbor is- tal facilities will be able to acnot be treated any differently just because they use land acute care and longcommodate more of our term care. These facilities pesticides or GMOs. Howelderly into quality long-term ever, the pesticide issue has are not intended to profit care, along with other pribut must be sustainable. become a big concern, and vate care facilities, and They need the support of the state’s presence in assuring our health and safety state funding to survive. SEE MORIKAWA, 20
DEE MORIKAWA
What needs to be done to address the condition of Kauai’s roads and traffic on the island? Since this is not only a failure issue of Kauai but rampant on every island, we need to consider allowing private companies to compete for the jobs. There needs to be proactive planning to get ahead of the problem rather than panic when the problem hits. There should also be deadlines for projects to be finished with a fine for every day not completed to eliminate cost overruns. An audit of the effectiveness of a company’s job history is desperately needed before hiring them.
need to find other ways to generate income. For example, there is extra land around Mahelona hospital which could be developed into senior housing or housing for health care personnel.
What do you believe should be done to address the dearth of a dispensing process for legalized medical marijuana? I have difficulty support(R) CHALLENGER ing inhalation of smoke in any form. No study suggests Z Age: 49 that the inhalation of smoke Z Highest education attained: is safe. Last I checked, peoB.A. from Blue Mountain College in ple die from smoke inhalaBlue Mountain, Mississippi and Post tion. Marijuana cigarettes Graduate Studies at Central Bible have been proven in some College in Springfield, Missouri studies to be 2.5 times more Z Work experience: Minister with dangerous than tobacco cigKing’s Cathedral and Chapels for What do you believe arettes. The cannabinoids, 25 years, teacher at Ka‘ahumanu should be done to help specifically THC, are availHou Christian School in Kahului, and address the current fiable in pill form, but some nancial condition of the have not been approved by finance analyst at Walmart.com state’s public hospital Z Years on Kauai: Lived in Hawaii the FDA. Put simply, we are system, HHSC, which op- asked to approve the whole since 1989 erates Samuel Maheplant when even the FDA will What should the state’s lona and KVMH? not do that currently. The role be in monitoring I believe we need to purwhole term “medical marithe activities of Kauai sue a public/private partner- juana” is suspect since the companies that use pes- ship that would ensure our whole plant is not approved ticides and genetically health systems continue to by the FDA, according to the modified organisms? run efficiently. We need to National Institute on Drug I believe the state should utilize what we have and Abuse. It has also been keep a committee to continue streamline what is effective proven that marijuana users to monitor the companies to rather than throw monies at are 70 percent more likely to ensure that they are in comnew, unproven technologies. try more aggressive drugs, pliance with any disclosure re- It is unacceptable to pay rent which makes marijuana a quirements. This committee on treatment by flying peogateway drug. Having will ensure that the people’s ple to other islands rather worked with drug addicts, voices on Kauai are heard and than buying the equipment their concerns are addressed. and using it on Kauai. We SEE FRANKS, 20
VICKIE FRANKS
for COUNTY COUNCIL
I APPRECIATE YOUR KIND SUPPORT
Mahalo for your vote in the primary election!
for my re-Election to the council in 2014!
I’m committed to do the “right” thing for all the “right reasons” to benefit the people of Kauai. Simply… I care! -Mel Rapozo Paid for by Friends of Mel Rapozo. 292 Makani Rd., Kapaa, Hawaii 96746. 808-645-0243. Nicole Rapozo, Treasurer
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Franks
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grown for medicinal uses, it would be idiotic to assume the same isn’t already happening here in Hawaii.
and since it doesn’t cure anything, I find no reason to open a door of abuse when pills are available and when the entire plant is not approved by the FDA. Also, since there have been many reported abuses where minors have acquired marijuana cigarettes supposedly
What are your proposals to help the state operate more efficiently? In every department, we need to stop throwing good money after bad. We need to evaluate our successes and our failures. If something doesn’t work, stop throwing money after it. If a program
Morikawa
What are your proposals to help the state operate more efficiently? We have now become more transparent in the budget process. New leadership in the House of Representatives has initiated better collaboration with agencies and areas of waste are being diminished. Although the legislation didn’t pass, we tried to eliminate special fund accounts that were no longer needed. Many audits have been conducted, and the
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more senior living communities will be available. Eleele’s Lima Ola Affordable Workforce Housing, which incorporates Smart Growth principles, healthy living and green, sustainable features will be completed. Finally, the Westside will have a first-class sports facility that promotes sports tourism and state and national competitive events.
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doesn’t work, stop spending money on it. Return to something from the past that did work. Learn from our mistakes and move forward. We have to see where the bleeding is and stop it. What are your thoughts about the Hawaiian sovereignty movement? It is important to listen to the groups involved and try to get consensus on where they want to go. After talking legislature uses those audits to develop policy to address the problem areas. Our Finance Committee members peruse through the budget carefully and ask many critical questions to make sure state departments are accountable for their funding. What are your thoughts about the Hawaiian sovereignty movement? What was done in the past was wrong, but we are
with several individuals, it is apparent that we must take their concerns to heart. Should the state, or Kauai in particular, be doing more to promote tourism and why? We should work toward partnerships that provide affordable vacation opportunities. The state and individual counties do a good job of promoting themselves, but we can do more. here today because of that. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands with other Hawaiian organizations can best determine where to go from here. Should the state, or Kauai in particular, be doing more to promote tourism and why? The Legislature increased funding to the Hawaii Tourism Authority and the county’s TAT to address the tourism industry.
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We need to find inexpensive ways to encourage growth in the visitor industry. Kauai can be Hawaii’s most desirable destination, if we are intentional and have contagious enthusiasm. Where do you see Kauai in 20 years? We can become the island of choice for travelers with our more rustic atmosphere. Our famers will be more effective at putting out prodI think the work done by both agencies is good and will get better as the economy grows stronger. Counties understand their ability to deal with the capacity and can best promote their islands, as long as they have their proper share of funding. What needs to be done to address the condition of Kauai’s roads and traffic on the island? Traffic is an issue, espe-
ucts and lowering the cost of food. With just a small shift, our educational systems can become viable again — teaching reading, writing, and arithmetic rather than trying to present some common-core indoctrination that tells our children they can’t dream. In short, 20 years can lead to tremendous opportunity, if the status quo is eliminated. cially during construction periods. When the four-lane widening project is completed, there will be a lot of relief for south/west residents. The state Department of Transportation, Kauai Division, has a very good plan on resurfacing projects according to the time since the last resurfacing was done. The county, on the other hand, needs to address bypass options, especially when the main roads are closed for police investigations or accidents.
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