I am impressed by the action plan and agree with the objectives. Collaborating for Community Solutions Working with both Public & Private Partners to develop and implement forward-thinking solutions to longstanding challenges like Climate Change, Drug Abuse, Food Insecurity, Homelessness, Teen Suicide, Traffic Congestion and more. Joint-venture affordable housing project involving 36 multi-family units (AHE Group) and 32 single-family homes (Habitat for Humanity). The tax rate for the Vacation Rental class is the second highest tax rate in the county. While we do control the power of the purse, the County Council has no authority over the timelines for infrastructure projects. Kauai County Councilmember Ross Kagawa. Students can become entrepreneurs and also work for somebody. While we advocate for healing ourselves, we must also demand healing for our environment. Policy D.4. And so the plan states clearly that dealing with excessive tourism also means dealing with the supply of visitor units. And it cites the General Plan for ways to reduce the number of transient vacation rentals. In 1979, Harris was elected to the Kauai County Council where he served a single two-year term. Reach out to connect with her on Kaua'i issues you care about to discuss and identify actionable solutions together. Along with Vice Chair Chock, I co-introduced the bill on Kauai to give the Parks Department the authority to charge tourists to park in beach parks. The County Councils biggest responsibility is balancing the county budget every year. Whereas a resort that falls into becoming a distressed property presents significant, even overwhelming, responsibility for the county and community. This will drastically reduce methane emissions at the landfill, it can save restaurant owners money by reducing their service levels for trash hauling, and it can help create a viable by product (compost) that can be used by farmers all of which helps keep money circulating on Kauai. If we are both re-elected, I believe its very likely that Councilmember Evslin & I will bring the matter up for a vote again; especially if we the voters endorse dedicating 2% of our real property taxes each year to our Housing Development Fund by charter vote this fall. HONOLULU - United States District Judge Derrick K. Watson sentenced Arthur Brun, age 50, a former member of the Kauai County Council, yesterday to serve 20 years in federal prison for drug trafficking, assault of a federal law enforcement officer, witness tampering, evidence tampering, and firearm offenses. This housing strategy has been a cherished and successful pathway in Kauais past. I have the time to attend boards and commission meetings, community events, and have on-site visits with constituents, neighborhoods and businesses for stronger understanding of their specific needs. If re-elected, I will continue to work on policies like those outlined above to help reduce the cost of housing for Kauai residents. Cultivating oysters, clams, and other value add products for the community. Giving friendly reminders that this is what these people are being paid to do. of Water to ensure water distribution expansion plans line up with plans for increased density and infill development within our town centers, as well as for other housing development in the larger town areas. Our landfill is depleting and we need to have a program established. To be a candidate for the Kaua'i County Council you must be a resident and a "qualified voter" for two years preceding the election. Early engagement with stakeholder groups is step one of effective policy development, in my view. Please feel welcome to call me if you need me. To create programs that serve our children also develop new food security industries within our private sector to ensure a more sustainable lifestyle here on Kauai. Harris debated alongside John D. Waihee III, future governor of Hawaii, as well as future legislative leaders Carol Fukunaga, Helene Hale, Les Ihara, Jr., Barbara Marumoto and Joseph M. Souki . The tax could be on a scale depending on location, the type of building being purchased and how many purchases this buyer has made. 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. I was born and raised in Kapahi and I understand the issues that matter to our islands. I will work with and support our Mayor, our Office of Economic Development and our Community & Business leaders to implement our Kauai Comprehensive Economic Development Strategic (CEDS) Plan for 2022-2026; most recently completed by community stakeholders from all six of our target industry clusters on Nov. 30, 2021. We need to ask how we can resolve parking issues, especially on the North Shore. Those are immediate questions that we need to answer in the budget coming up., Facebook Holding these mainland investors more accountable to their responsibility here on the island is a must. Top priority projects would get done first than feasible jobs next and then everything else according to budget and importance. It has become clear in recent decades that our agriculture practices and system can either hurt our climate, or help save it. I absolutely support what the people are calling for and that is a stop to unmanageable expansion that will likely only worsen the overtourism were already face. A benefit is an infusion of capital, on island, through their spending. We need to start with providing more agricultural programs and awareness in all of our schools starting from preschool and really working hands on with the elementary schools. The County can help by providing incentives to the agriculture industries. Strengthen the economic contribution of Kauais visitor industry. I will continue to support projects like the Lima Ola affordable housing project and support the development of additional family units and rentals on existing properties to accommodate growing families and additional rentals. 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. When you account for the cost of gasoline on an average commute and the cost of maintenance, many electric vehicles are already cheaper to own and operate than their fossil fuel counterparts. 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. We need to start the process to bring waste to energy technology to Kauai. 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 believe that my life experience, education and passion will benefit Kauai and I will be a strong voice for our community. The nurturing of small-scale farms, promoting crop diversity, and encouraging stronger public/private partnerships is very important for agriculture. I dont want more expansion for more flights. 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. In fact, only a few weeks ago nearing the end of budgeting, Councilmembers Chock, Evslin & I voted to increase the Transient Vacation Rental tax rate to the same level as Resort. Over the last 20 years, nearly 40% of new homes were built on agricultural land and less than 1% in the multifamily zoning districts in our town cores. This is an opportunity to put somebody like Fern on the Council to show other people that representation matters and that they should be able to feel like they can put their name in the ring and be given fair consideration.. High land costs require most owners to have employment or some other primary source of income. In addition, we must look at our housing policies and modify those that are prohibiting workforce housing. We can move unspent CIP funds to other projects during the budget process and we can ask for status updates at any time and I have done both. Yes, I support establishing equitable property tax rates so that the services the county provides have the resources to execute fairly. These properties are not easily transformed into living units without kitchens, particularly with air conditioning failure. According to the Department of Business and Economic Development, the average daily rate for TVRs in 2022 is $386.74 compared to $279.70 in 2019. No, the various forms of Transient Vacation Rentals and Resorts should be evaluated for Real Property Tax rates separately on their own merits and impacts. And, every year they come down in price. The Kauai County Code gives the County Council the exclusive authority to raise or lower property tax rates via resolution. We need the funding to make these happen. Making sure we increase our Capital Improvement Projects investments as we have done in this most recent budget. Jade Wai'ale'ale Battad, Dr. Addison Bulosan, Bernard Carvalho Jr., Mason Chock, Felicia Cowden and Mike. Continue to work on our checks and balances system of government is working and not rubber stamping budget requests by the administration. Less than 1% of Swedens trash is sent to landfills, and over 50% of Swedish household waste is converted into energy to heat their homes. This problem needed to be addressed a decade ago. My vision includes a mix of diversified agriculture along with indigenous foods and agriculture practices. To be clear, I am absolutely a strong supporter of recycling, the critical siting of our next landfill, source reduction and taking advantage of any innovations or new technologies that can help us find a sustainable and resilient way to address our solid waste challenges. Diversification is a buzz word that to many political candidates toss around with no plan to back it up. This will enable local families to better provide for their extended families and create resilience for the ongoing economic challenges. I have over thirty years experience working and volunteering in Government, Labor Unions, Non-Profits and Community Organizations. Supporting and growing our Kaua`i Made and Kaua`i Grown programs. Josh Green appointed former councilmember Luke Evslin to his direct staff. Kagawa has spent the past two years as a COVID-19 specialist in the Kauai Emergency Management Agency. We also passed a bill I co-sponsored with Councilmember Evslin supporting tiny houses; legalizing sleeping lofts, lowering ceiling heights & allowing for stairs and ladders designed for small spaces. The other area would be to secure a solid river and stream maintenance program. While the FAQ of the Airport Master Plan says that airport expansions do not induce demand, in Barnes v. Dot, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals found that the FAA has knowledge that there is at least a reasonable possibility that increasing airport capacity would lead to increased demand, but that they chose to gloss over it. The consultants seem to be doing the same thing for the Lihue Airport Master Plan. We need more charging stations. These tiny worker homes can have revocable permits but are a necessity for effective food production, harvesting and distribution. Currently Councilmember Evslin & I are working with you and other stakeholders on a bill to support EV-ready charging stations in parking lots. euclid city council election results. Kauai Councilmember Luke Evslin to fill empty, Three from Kauai nominated to fill Hawaii House, Luke Evslin of Kauai sworn into Hawaii House of, No Changes to General Election Ballot Following, Public invited to attend inauguration of Kaua'i, who is now a member of the Hawaii House of Representatives, build a hotel at the site of the former Coco Palms resort. I will be responsible in how I manage our county budget and operations. Kagawa narrowly lost election to the Kaua'i County Council last November, when he finished eighth in a race with seven winners. I would like to develop some ideas to create a more circular economy across the board. 3) We need to continually strive to make it easier for families to add on additional units (ARUs or ADUs) for their parents, children or long-term renters. Regardless of what happens with the Master Plan, its vital for us to work to reduce the number of visitor accommodations on Kauai as that is still the Countys best tool for managing the industry. Council can best help by approving funding, encouraging action through paying attention and supporting progress. We absolutely need to do more to support agriculture not only for food and sustenance; for export of Kaua`i Grown products or Kaua`i made products with Kaua`i Grown ingredients; but, also to make use of, protect & preserve acres of idle lands that are becoming overgrown with invasive species and becoming more and more arid and depleted. In little and big ways, we all need to be doing whatever we can to reduce our carbon footprint; and, as institutions and industries, like our county, our business community and our visitor industry, we need to be leading the way. But, the industry has more than recovered. Mahalo to the Kauai Chamber for all the work that you do for our island home, and I look forward to serving a second term as a member of the Kauai County Council where I will continue to be a bridge and connect government to the people. I oppose any increase in flights at this time. My preference is in the direction of Alternative 1 of the Lihue Airport Master Plan, as it is the least changed. An over-arching action is greater collaboration between the State and County to offer a unified policy reshaping visitor activity to recognize they are visiting a unique culture rather arriving in a theme park to entertain themselves. My life long community and environmental advocacy has motivated me to run for public office. I also helped spearhead sending a Council charter amendment proposal to the voters to approve dedicating 2% (est. Batteries and hydraulic fluid will be removed next and work will continue today, according to the Save Honolua Coalition, which is operated by John Carty and Maui County Council Member Tamara. As a Financial Advisor it is important to work as a team, and we need to work as a team to find the best plan and be prepared for profit and loss both in short term and long term goals that everyone agrees on. During the COVID-19 pandemic we addressed our budget shortfall by utilizing our rainy day funds or reserves, deferring most of our maintenance items and not filling as many of the vacant positions we had as possible. 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. 5. Advising nonprofits, campaigns, and mission-driven businesses on strategic communications, digital advocacy, cause marketing, and partnership development. With my past and current experience with-in government and working closely with my fellow council members. If were serious about preserving our Kaua`i quality of life, we have to be willing to do our part as responsible stewards of our island home. More excess revenue generated for 2022 occurred, in part, due to inflation on land values. One house on Kauapea Road pays roughly the same or more taxes as all the houses along the perpendicular village street of Kilauea Road on which I live. There is a maze of changing regulations that are best served by following a quick timeline to avoid the next limitation. If Oahu can do it so can we. I went to Kapaa Elementary, Kapaa Middle and Kapaa High School. We need to take a look at what other countries are doing around the world and bring a new system back here. The entire budget process needs to be as transparent as possible and communicated in a simple and up to date way to the public. What parts to you oppose? The following candidates ran in the primary for Kauai County Council on August 13, 2022. I totally support the Kauai Destination Management Action Plan which is a well-developed plan that brings forth the need to better manage and balance our tourism industry with our local infrastructure, natural resources, and our residents. Holland also spoke on her own behalf before councilmembers ultimately chose Kagawa. For the decades after World War II, both the US and Hawaiis population were exploding and along with it, so were our economies. 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. Addressing the combined impacts to the climate from ecosystem loss and destruction of environmental services, CO2 production due to transport of food through programs that support local food production and access are critical. Climate change is here to stay, its going to be a huge problem in future generations and its going to get worse but we are human beings a we a smarter than that. In the interim, tourists would be housed in hotels where they could move about the grounds . 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. I have been working closely with our State and Federal counter parts. For the 14 years that I have served on the Kauai County Council, I have always had an open door policy for the business community. The County needs to streamline the permitting for affordable housing. floodstop flashing green lights 0 Menu Close. I hope to bring the consideration of our children back to the table when making decisions and provide a way where the voice of the people is heard by the council and mayor. I would support the addition of one gate, but not three. Councilmember Addison Bulosan cast the sole no vote in a move he said demonstrated his wish to see more women represented in government. 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. But, for the reasons stated I think its the right decision. The absence of the general public and business adding dimension to policy considerations can easily result in reckless policy development. QUESTION #9What would you do as an elected council member to ensure that Kauai receives significant funding from the federal bipartisan infrastructure bill? While Kauai County doesnt have an inventory of available lands, we must work with the State to allow the use of state lands for the purpose of developing truly affordable housing. Action items D, focus policies that address over-tourism by managing people while on Kauai and E, encourage low-impact green rides to improve the visitor experience, reduce island traffic, increase small business opportunities, and meet climate action goalsare among the more motivating for me. I will work hard to make public workers accountable to deadlines. Administration and Council will then need to secure funding through the budgeting process to qualify for additional funding to start and complete the proposed infrastructure projects. However, its partly our job to help set the Administration up for success on this front. Maintain and improve visitor satisfaction of their experience on Kauai. Revitalizing the ADC lands on the Westside is a huge part of my plan. As an individual council member, I have been regularly and actively raising this issue with the County Administration. If we are going to say we have a recycling program we really need to do it. Increasing taxes on vacant homes and TVRs can both discourage that practice (and get more homes on the market) and help ensure that we have a revenue base to get through the fiscal ice age. Of the following four areas of the plan. We live on an island. Although many, including myself, had hoped for a Curbside Recycling Program by now, our Mayor and Administration has determined it isnt economically feasible because of the extreme cost and because it would only increase our diversion rate by 5%. By streamlining permitting processes and reducing the cost of water and taxes to allow farmers the opportunity to continue to farm. Since being elected in 2018, I have been reaching to collaborate with the various departments of the State of Hawaii, and Federal granting to identify pathways for hazard and flood mitigation. age of adaline comet. County vehicles should all be battery operated or hybrids by 2035. For example, the State DOT received in the range of $16M for electric vehicle charging infrastructure statewide from the bipartisan infrastructure bill. Flush with money and drunk on the possibilities of the automobile, we spent large sums of money on sprawling infrastructure. I love this island, I put my name on the ballot to make an effort for positive change. Also working with DHHL to revitalize their Ag lands in Anahola is on my agenda. The development of a landfill will likely take longer than we currently have, before Kekaha expires in five years, and we will be shipping our waste off island at a huge cost to taxpayers. I know issues of the island because I was born and raised on Kauai Im willing to change my stance on any of the issues, Im a good listener and I lead by example. Click here. Sports tourism is a huge market that we should explore. Maintaining functioning infrastructure is the core bread and butter of county responsibilities. Working closely with our Federal, State and County delegation and our community to define our responsibility to prepare for this funding is imperative. Increases in passengers at this time I believe will stress our infrastructure and resources and negatively impact communities. 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By following a quick timeline to avoid the next limitation and identify solutions! Land values a simple and up to date way to the voters to approve dedicating 2 % (.... Feel welcome to call me if you need me second highest tax rate in the for... Also demand healing for our environment with no plan to back it up working closely my! Put my name on the Westside is a maze of changing regulations that are prohibiting workforce housing important! Bulosan cast the sole no vote in a simple and up to date to! Support establishing equitable property tax rates via resolution the power of the Lihue Airport Master plan, it! That this is what these people are being paid to do it along with foods! To start the process to bring waste to energy technology to Kauai toss around with no to!
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