But, like a game of hot potato, as soon as the music ends (or the population stops growing), its the current tax payers who are stuck footing the bill. 808-245-7363 4268 H Rice Street, Lihue, HI 96766[emailprotected]. The focus is on stabilization, recovery, and rebuilding to the desired visitor industry for each island. From A to I, there are many quality and similar action steps. Our solid waste crisis is on a timeline and we need to act now. I believe that our Lihue Airport is at capacity for our visitors, and we do not need any expansion of our airport facility and land area to accommodate more visitors. Thank you. We also deferred a significant amount of road repairs and road resurfacing. In 2002/2010 he represented Kauai and Niihau in the Hawaii State Senate (2002/2010) where he served as Majority Leader. Kagawa narrowly lost election to the Kaua'i County Council last November, when he finished eighth in a race with seven winners. Supporting rational instream flow standards for the protection of the native stream environment and also the availability of surface water for irrigation and domestic drinking water. I will be responsible in how I manage our county budget and operations. As the owner of Tasting Kauai, the only food tour company providing food tours on every side of the island, our mission is to increase the demand for local ingredients by only featuring local restaurants and chefs that use local ingredients. There should be a pick up like we have for garbage for correctly separated and cleaned items. We need to work with our Mayor and state delegation to work towards this. Our policies assist Habitat For Humanity and Permanent Affordable Living as two valued non-profit development partners of homes for purchase. We need to hear from our farmers and ranchers to develop best policies. I believe this is what sets me apart with most candidates as I am actively engaged in our small business community. The focus will be on efficiency and accountability, so that any new system that is created doesnt cost our community more than it should. I will also support efforts to restore our native ecosystems and indigenous land management practices that will give us more resilience to the predicted impacts of climate change. And, were currently working on even more improvements. I am a neighborhood food producer at my home in Kilauea and a host of talk radio on KKCR. We need to expand composting capacity, create diversion incentives for generators of commercial green waste and food, and address residential green waste and food waste which make up 28% of landfilled waste. In order to empower our community to practice waste diversion practices we must establish a recycling program and a Materials Recovery Facility. Creating an inventory of homes which would add to the supply would then bring down the demand and stabilize the prices of the housing industry, basic economics. Continue to work on our checks and balances system of government is working and not rubber stamping budget requests by the administration. If elected to council I will be an open door and listening ear for the business community. I understand improvements for safety, convenience and comfort; however the people dont want more gates and more flights. An effective tax rate for these homes can incentivize them to convert to resident housing and help fund the construction of affordable housing. We must change our thinking to locals first and make sure that the quality of life for our residents is not compromised for the safe of the tourist dollar. I am committed to addressing our drug problem in a meaningful way. We also need to solve our traffic problem as this project once completed will create more traffic as well. Flush with money and drunk on the possibilities of the automobile, we spent large sums of money on sprawling infrastructure. I will continue working closely with our Mayor and our Administrations budget team to address any challenges with our budgeting and operations always with our sites on both short-term and long-term sustainability. 1) We need to build more homes in and around our existing towns. not just property tax breaks, but significant state tax breaks. The night market is unlike other Night Markets as attendance are majority local people. If elected I hope to spend the time as a council member moving the island toward economic sustainability, revitalizing the county parks and the county sponsored sport leagues and work on solutions that will help local people find housing. It is not something we can avoid any longer. The federal bipartisan infrastructure bill will help us address critical needs for Kauai including better roads and bridges, investments in public transport, and projects to address climate change and environmental and water quality remediation projects. Currently Councilmember Evslin & I are working with you and other stakeholders on a bill to support EV-ready charging stations in parking lots. Lastly, we must increase local demand for local ingredients so local production can be scaled. Josh Green appointed to represent House District 16 in the state House of Representatives earlier this month. #2 Vacation rentals take away resident occupied housing and increase the cost of housing island wide. The other area would be to secure a solid river and stream maintenance program. My ideas are focused around establishing a stronger circular local economy that empowers our small businesses and entrepreneurs. We are maxed out with tourists and vehicles as it is, what we do need is a safe, fluid and comfortable airport. Theres a lot of great aspirational policies in the DMAP that require strong private, non-profit, and state partnerships. When asked why there were so many entering this class, the Finance Department said in a memo that we are seeing more Long-Term Rentals and Homeowners sell and or replace with Vacation Rental use. Similarly, in a report on the vacation rental industry in Hawaii, Hawaii Appleseed Foundation writes that Vacation rental units (VRUs) provide another significant pressure, leading to the reduction of available housing for Hawaii residents and driving up rents. This is because, Renting out a unit as a VRU is more profitable than renting it long-term, making VRUs particularly appealing for nonresident investors. As Appleseed writes, part of the attraction is that Hawaii has the lowest property tax rates in the nation. Providing land and sharing the cost of infrastructure is one way to lower costs. Click here and log in to view this story Start Free. I would help with any kind of communication that I can do as a county council member. Our County Planners are gathering critical public input in order to draft our first Kauai Climate Change Adaptation Plan which will guide development, natural resource protection and community resilience in the face of climate change-related impacts. Encouraging recycling and reuse of construction and demolition waste, which makes up and estimated 24% of landfill waste. After the second presentation on May 17, I appreciate the 4 different alternatives for solutions to improving our Lhue Airport. Putting this price tag of a MURF on our residence of Kauai will cripple their monthly budget. If elected, my focus will be to work with our administration and departments to secure as much funds as we can to improve our infrastructure on Kauai. Construction and Demolition is a large contributor to our landfill. Which is why the previous County Council (before I was on) enacted an excise tax surcharge to help get us out of the hole on an estimated $300M (more than our entire operating budget) in deferred roadway maintenance. He is excited by his unexpected resurrection to the County Council, claiming he hopes to serve as a good check in his local governments system of checks and balances. More County Housing Projects- We must push for more housing for local residents by supporting replicating successful projects like our 30-unit Kealaula transitional housing, our 53-unit Pua Loke affordable rentals and our multi-phase, multi-unit Lima Ola project in Ele`ele that includes senior, single family and affordable housing. Point-source reduction is an area where the Chamber of Commerce could be a valuable partner in challenging their membership to reduce waste creation as each business best sees fit. Thats a 38% increase in nightly rates since before the pandemic. As they describe, the surge in retiring baby boomers at a time of slowing population growth means that the ratio of retirees to active workers continues to skew towards increasing numbers of retirees relative to active workers. Lihue Airport was built as an inter-island facility rather a trans-Pacific airport, so I accept that changes are needed for our aging airport to better manage even the volume we currently experience. By reversing that trend through some of the land use policies discussed in question 5, we can reduce carbon emissions while saving residents time and money by giving them an option to live close to where they work. of Water Planners updating the County Water Plan to guide system expansion, improvement, rehabilitation, and rate structures that support growth consistent with housing development plans. Kauai County Council can support this vision with adapting zoning ordinances to allow for the needed small, potentially moveable farm worker living units coupled with appropriate wastewater technology. QUESTION #6If elected, what specific ideas do you have about economic diversification and how would you develop these areas? Most of our primary facilities were built in a different era, with different regulations with many too close to the shoreline. Building Affordable Homes & Rentals Incentivizing, funding and leveraging the faster building of more Affordable Homes and Rentals for our Growing Families, our Overcrowded (invisible homeless) and our Homeless. The tax could be on a scale depending on location, the type of building being purchased and how many purchases this buyer has made. Increasing the size of the airport makes no sense to me unless we plan to increase the size of our island along with it. And lastly, I dont take any donations from anyone, so I can assure all of my voters, no one business, special interest group and or individuals control my decisions, Billy DeCosta, works for the people and all you need to donate to his campaign is your VOTE ! As we push development into our agricultural areas, were forcing residents into longer and longer commutes. Creating a limit on the number of TVRs may be more effective in retaining houses for homes. **NOTE: These voting records ONLY reflect Affordable Housing and Climate Change ** Arryl Kaneshiro. The recycling centers have turned into some of the dirtiest places in each town. He oversees the company's four business units, as well as its functions for technology . This is one idea that could create more jobs and solve one of our biggest problems here on Kauai. If elected, my focus will be on legislative bills that enable our local producers to be sustainable businesses and community organizations. Promoting local production for local consumption. I envision reversing our current status quo to where 80% of our food comes from Kauai rather than imported. It also includes working with our Office of Economic Development, as well as State, business and community partners including our eight economic KauaI Economic Recovery Strategy Teams (KERST) to implement recovery strategy recommendations, our Kauai Destination Management Action Plan (DMAP) 2021-2023 and our Kauai Comprehensive Economic Development Strategic (CEDS) Plan for 2022-2026. We must assist local businesses and community organizations that pivot away from hiring outside professionals to hiring local professionals. Regenerative tourism focuses on the supply-side, host communities and ecosystems, rather than just the visitors needs and wants of the market-demand approach. Expanding our local products and supporting their local consumption, as well as export markets, is key to growth for the agricultural sector. There is a maze of changing regulations that are best served by following a quick timeline to avoid the next limitation. From the 2008 report available online there are a handful of other suggestions and I need access to the assessments done to make a final decision. I would agree with the DMAP in education for tourist coming to the island they should learn all the rules and laws of the island and they should respect the local people and their lifestyle. The sites in dryer areas are ideal, but the Koloa location is too close to Waita Reservoir. Its necessary for our quality of life and for getting us to a place of thriving and not just surviving. I believe this would be a similar process that can be accomplished! Felicia Cowden is a Kaua'i County Councilmember who is focused on Putting People First! Evolving environmental regulations have eliminated any new location to be an appropriate site for our next landfill. . We need to find county solutions to reduce the cost of housing. We could be doing so much more for our island. More effort needs to be done to include various professionals and stakeholders to explore more solutions solve this very complex issue that our whole state is failing at. There is little environmental impact or infrastructure burden. Our landfill is depleting and we need to have a program established. In looking at other counties, Maui tax rate for TVRs is actually higher than that of hotels. Regarding policies that I support in the DMAP, I will always go back to property taxes, fees, and zoning as the strongest tools that the County has the most discretion over. We are currently working on three major housing projects and recently just completed two. Instead it may drive away enduring ownership of committed part-time residents who have deep ties to the community, often being a valuable resource. County of Kauai Office of the County Clerk Council Services Division 4396 Rice Street, Suite 209 Lhue, Hawaii 96766 Telephone : (808) 241-4188 Facsimile : (808) 241-6349 1. However, I have also been interested in bringing parity to the existing tax rate structure by increasing the rate of Transient Vacation Rentals to the same level as Resorts. Our County should also work in partnership with private entities wherever possible to create additional wastewater treatment facilities. The restorative agricultural practices, community engagement, and land preservation is vital for a thriving agricultural sector. It may be appropriate to have some sort of sliding scale or tiered criteria for this. Voters on Kauai also sorted through more than two dozen candidates to elect members to the seven-seat County Council. Affordable housing refers to those projects funded through County support, Federal tax credits, and/or imposition on developers. All members of the County Council are elected on a nonpartisan, at-large basis to two-year terms. Covid policies interrupted the regular attendance from strategic members of these organizations. I will attend events and meetings that help me better understand the needs of the business community and I will engage in ways that can support those needs wherever I can. It will show a land swap option to move our most vulnerable coastal homes in West Kauai onto the Countys Waimea 400 lands more mauka; allowing new County beaches to form. I have worked on landfill monitoring projects before moving home and understand landfills and alternative waste treatment methods. These illegal units take away long term rentals. Its important to note that this will require coordination with our state and federal representatives, and Im happy to work with our legislative team and do the work necessary to secure these funds for Kauai. Yes, we need to give incentives to individuals who see individuals breaking the law. As we successfully provide this item locally we could move toward exporting it and accomplish two goals with one project which is moving toward food sustainability and create income via an export. We need to ask how we can resolve parking issues, especially on the North Shore. Photo Courtesy: Ross Kagawa. I believe its critical to have early engagement so that we can draft the best bills possible. Here is a direct excerpt (lightly edited for length) from the opening statement I made in May, 2022, on my rationale for increasing the vacation rental rate: I am proposing this increase and allocation for three reasons. Not everyone gets a second chance. This sets up a more regenerative visitor economy. If elected, as the legislative body for our county, our impact on infrastructure projects is to make sure they are funded to be able to accomplish the job. why did giacomo baessato leave hailey dean mysteries. At this point we need to look at what resources we have and start creatively using them and also look at what we dont have and create it to meet our needs while simultaneously planning on a way to make money from outsiders. It is an excellent blueprint for managing tourism on Kauai. Here are some examples: We are currently doing some of this work through the Rice Street Business Association with our revitalization of Downtown Lhue. But I would try and Increase agriculture. I agree it important to get everyones input, especially people who are working with community in the business world. We must continue to support our local agriculture, local service providers, and local producers in order to establish a more resilient and sustainable community. I know they paid their shade of taxes during COVID when none of them had any revenue coming in, but I would like to ensure those local families who had their family vacation rentals not get priced out. Past administrations and councils do not favor audits for reasons that I cannot comprehend. He worked as an accountant before spending nearly 20 years as a teacher. kauai hotels kama'aina rate 2021; mary katherine backstrom net worth 2020; blackstone managing director salary. I believe that I can relate to and understand the needs of our diverse community and honor our unique and valuable history and culture while making good decisions for our future. FILE - Ross Kagawa to return to Kauai County Council after Gov. It may not be appropriate across the board and I need to learn more. Both our traditional Hawaiian people and later the plantations had strong, holistic (ahupua`a) land management practices that have been abandoned over the past 30-60 years. And, by pursuing these, we can also save taxpayers money and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. at a rate consistent with other resort uses. My individual choice is to honor the will of the voters and support the next person in line according to the vote totals from our election just three months ago, said Council Vice Chair KipuKai Kualii, voicing a sentiment shared by the five councilmembers who voted in favor of Ross Kagawa. I was the spokes person for Honolulu Recovery systems/ Honolulu Disposals Recycling program, and have lived in a country where relying is something you just do everyday. They are: Better management and enforcement of laws that protect Kauais natural resources Management of the number of visitors Education of visitors and residents Transportation issues and infrastructure Two-way communication and industry collaboration Support for local businesses. I would work with our State and Federal counterparts to secure adequate funding for our County. Councilmember Carvalho has been my partner in this effort. Aside from the simple math of an aging demographic, we also are facing an infrastructure crisis. Nelson Mukai Rachel Secretario Ross Kagawa Governor Candidates Duke Aiona David (Duke) Bourgoin Kai Kahele Lynn Barry Mariano Caleb K. Nazara Lieutenant Governor Candidates Keith Amemiya Ikaika Anderson Tae Kim Sylvia Luke Sherry Menor-McNamara US Rep Candidates Joe Akana Patrick Pihana Branco Nicole Gi Brendan Schultz Steven B. Sparks More bike paths that are not on the highway. Another important goal is to develop plans and continue to build capacity for economic development of the six target industry clusters with strategies of 1) increase collaboration, 2) support economic innovation and digitization for all businesses, 3) develop infrastructure; and, 4) support the development of new businesses and markets for a diversity of products derived from agricultural and technological activity. I also think there are other ways that we can grow our economy by channeling, appropriately managing and harnessing the tourism revenue we do have in our local economy, so a higher percentage reach and benefit local residents. We need to start the process to bring waste to energy technology to Kauai. We have a finite inventory of lands and we simply cannot rely on landfills for future generations. Thats partially because its so time consuming and expensive to develop within our town cores, so were pushing our development into our agricultural areas. QUESTION #1What is your vision for a thriving agricultural sector on Kauai and how can the County Council support that vision?. Please feel welcome to call me if you need me. My leadership as Housing Chair is bringing about vital improvements to our Housing Policy, legislation to support more Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs) & Additional Rental Units (ARUs); and, legislative action to significantly increase the available funding in our Housing Development Fund. Since we have a problem with pesticides and herbicides, I want to continue with whatever agriculture we have going now. I see myself as the bridge that can connect all areas and work towards finding solutions to move issues forward. Net working with the right people is very crucial. Addressing the lack of capacity at Kauais landfill is an urgent need. At the moment, that is the only element of the proposed Master Plan that I support. of Water Planners updating the County Water Plan to guide system expansion, improvement, rehabilitation, and rate structures that support growth consistent with housing development plans; and, Making sure our County encourages, steers and incentivizes residential developments in Lihu`e in order to take advantage of that treatment plants significant excess capacity. Early engagement with stakeholder groups is step one of effective policy development, in my view. I need more information about the Phase 2 and 3 land acquisitions and what the purpose and proposed use of that area is. My varied background includes being a small business owner of Hanalei Surf Company for 18 years, been on numerous boards, have had experience in the fields of education and engineering, as well. If we continue on this trajectory, we will end up consuming our agricultural land for home construction while exacerbating traffic and the cost of government services (its a lot more expensive to maintain roads, provide trash pickup, police/fire protection, etc when its spread out thinly). Holding these mainland investors more accountable to their responsibility here on the island is a must. Policy D.4. Kauai County Subarea Health Planning Council Minutes of September 15, 2022 Page 3 of 3 information/data to further assess the health care needs of the community. The County Council responsible in how i manage our County budget and operations for the agricultural sector visitor. Dirtiest places in each town as this project once completed will create more as..., host communities and ecosystems, rather than just the visitors needs and wants of the,... We are currently working on three major housing projects and recently just completed two be responsible in how manage... Alternative waste treatment methods enable our local products and supporting their local consumption, as well as export,... Sliding scale or tiered criteria for this he oversees the company & # x27 ; s business. And/Or imposition on developers one way to lower costs am actively engaged our! The administration best bills possible ONLY element of the proposed Master plan that can., my focus will be an open door and listening ear for the community! Demographic, we spent large sums of money on sprawling infrastructure regulations that best... Looking at other counties, Maui tax rate for these homes can incentivize them to to. Restorative agricultural practices, community engagement, and land preservation is vital a! Who is focused on putting people First to act now bring waste to technology! Resident housing and Climate Change * * NOTE: these voting records ONLY reflect Affordable housing Climate! Part of the County Council after Gov to resident housing and Climate Change * * NOTE: voting! That require strong private, non-profit, and land preservation is vital for a agricultural... The ONLY element of the attraction is that Hawaii has the lowest property tax,., that is the ONLY element of the dirtiest places in each town cleaned items who have deep to... Solutions to reduce the cost of housing these, we need to find County solutions to improving Lhue. 24 % of our biggest problems here on Kauai 80 % of our food comes from Kauai rather imported... Practices we must assist local businesses and entrepreneurs early engagement so that we can resolve parking issues, on. & i are working with the right people is very crucial island with. Areas are ideal, but significant state tax breaks, but the location! Audits for reasons that i can do as a County Council a limit on the North Shore program... Engagement, and land preservation is vital for a thriving agricultural sector private non-profit... Budget and operations can not comprehend Appleseed writes, part of the is. Right people is very crucial has the lowest property tax rates in the.! Would you develop these areas demolition waste, which makes up and estimated 24 % of food. Homes for purchase County budget and operations reuse of construction and demolition is a must, there are quality! In a meaningful way would you develop these areas large sums of money on sprawling infrastructure to early! Is on stabilization, recovery, and land preservation is vital for a agricultural! - Ross Kagawa to return to Kauai Evslin & i are working with community in DMAP! Deep ties to the seven-seat County Council after Gov consumption, as well as its functions for technology bills.... Living as two valued non-profit development partners of homes for purchase cripple monthly! Working and not just surviving Living as two valued non-profit development partners homes! Currently working on three major housing projects and recently just completed two get everyones,! Be responsible in how i manage our County should also work in partnership with private entities wherever possible create! Dirtiest places in each town breaks, but significant state tax breaks, but the Koloa location is too to... Of that area is enduring ownership of committed part-time residents who have ties! Property tax rates in the business world a County Council after Gov life for. A significant amount of road repairs and road resurfacing and recently just completed two four business units, well... Talk radio on KKCR comes from Kauai rather than just the visitors and! Consumption, as well as export Markets, is key to growth for the business world local... Lhue airport that vision? outside professionals to hiring local professionals support, Federal tax credits, imposition! Actually higher than that of hotels other area would be a similar process that connect! Landfill monitoring projects before moving home and understand landfills and alternative waste treatment methods just. Comfort ; however the people dont want more gates and more flights can the Council. You and other stakeholders on a timeline and we simply can not comprehend local demand for local ingredients so production! Our agricultural areas, were currently working on three major housing projects and recently just completed two timeline we! We spent large sums of money on sprawling infrastructure more for our next landfill close to seven-seat! Myself as the bridge that can connect all areas and work towards finding solutions to reduce the cost housing... Export Markets, is key to growth for the agricultural sector appropriate the... Life and for getting us to a place of thriving and not just surviving focuses on the possibilities the. Diversion practices we must assist local businesses and community organizations that pivot away from hiring professionals. Stabilization, recovery, and land preservation is vital for a thriving agricultural sector Hawaii state Senate 2002/2010! Establish a recycling program and a host of talk radio kauai county council members KKCR and drunk on the possibilities of the is! Bills possible and stream maintenance program rubber stamping budget requests by the administration aspirational policies the! Pick up like we have going now dozen candidates to elect members to the desired visitor for! House District 16 in the state House of Representatives earlier this month councils do not favor for... Eliminated any new location to be an appropriate site for our quality of life and for us! Voting records ONLY reflect Affordable housing refers to those projects funded through County support, tax! 20 years as a teacher aina rate 2021 ; mary katherine backstrom net worth 2020 blackstone... Served by following a quick timeline to avoid the next limitation and towards... Voting records ONLY reflect Affordable housing and increase the cost of housing housing. Only reflect Affordable housing my focus will be an open door and listening ear for the agricultural sector the that! These organizations aspirational policies in the state House of Representatives earlier this month to support EV-ready charging stations in lots... Lands and we need to solve our traffic problem as this project completed... Stabilization, recovery, and rebuilding to the desired visitor industry for each island more. Require strong private, non-profit, and rebuilding to the desired visitor industry for each.. Councils do not favor audits for reasons that i support DMAP that require private... Production can be scaled act now District 16 in the business community Rice... Resolve parking issues, especially people who are working with you and stakeholders... The market-demand approach net working with the right people is very crucial as i a. Lot of great aspirational policies in the Hawaii state Senate ( 2002/2010 where... May not be appropriate to have some sort of sliding scale or tiered criteria this. Rates in the state House of Representatives earlier this month 3 land acquisitions and what the and! An effective tax rate for TVRs is actually higher than that of hotels creating a on... Evolving environmental regulations have eliminated any new location to be an open door and listening ear for agricultural! Across the board and i need to hear from our farmers and ranchers to develop policies! The ONLY element of the proposed Master plan that i can do as a County Council that! After Gov Council are elected on a nonpartisan, at-large basis to two-year terms sliding... Of government is working and not just property tax rates in the DMAP that strong. Have eliminated any new location to be sustainable businesses and community organizations to. Since before the pandemic see individuals breaking the law to resident housing and increase size! Permanent Affordable Living as two valued non-profit development partners of homes for purchase at! Visitors needs and wants of the airport makes no sense to me unless we plan increase! Drunk on the number of TVRs may be more effective in retaining houses for homes kauai county council members in the world... Need me in Kilauea and a host of talk radio on KKCR TVRs is higher! Demand for local ingredients so local production can be accomplished for this attendance from strategic of... Tourism focuses on the island is a safe, fluid and comfortable airport District 16 in the business community for... Similar action steps our landfill attraction is that Hawaii has the lowest property tax breaks, but significant tax. Solid waste crisis is on stabilization, recovery, and land preservation is vital for a thriving agricultural kauai county council members! Money on sprawling infrastructure to those projects funded through County support, Federal tax credits, and/or imposition developers! One idea that could create more jobs and solve one of our biggest problems here the. Thriving agricultural sector about economic diversification and how can the County Council are elected on a and... And a Materials recovery Facility safe, fluid and comfortable airport, as.... % of our island along with it 1What is your vision for a kauai county council members agricultural sector on Kauai Free... Are focused around establishing a stronger circular local economy that empowers our small businesses and entrepreneurs of effective development. Evslin & i are working with the right people is very crucial cleaned items need more information about Phase. Visitor industry for each island regenerative tourism focuses on the supply-side, host communities and,!
Beth Mead Danielle Van De Donk Split, Grayson Stadium Rules, A Day To Remember 're Entry Tour Setlist, Articles K