I need the assessments, ground water mapping, and rainfall data for these areas for the Puhi, Kalaheo/Eleele and Kaumakani/Pakalas locations. Off the top of my head, I see the Council as able to potentially assist through incentives for farmers, working with partners to fill gaps in infrastructure needs, assisting with education around local sourcing, and access to local options for restaurants, while working to support and partner with those that are developing the next generation of farmers. As Chair Kaneshiro & I did with our extensive Housing Policy update bill and Councilmember Evslin & I are now doing with our EV-ready charging stations in parking lots bill, I will make sure we conduct early outreach to engage with the business community including with the Kaua`i Chamber of Commerce, the Kaua`i Board of Realtors, the Kaua`i Contractors Association, any other potentially affected business organizations and entities; and, any and all self-identified stakeholders. The night market is unlike other Night Markets as attendance are majority local people. E-mail sent to Councilmembers and Council Services Staff for inclusion as TESTIMONY: counciltestimony@kauai.gov 2. A Materials Recovery Facility has value especially for product that can be re-used on Kauai. We need to consider rent-to-own affordable housing options and offer a credit to responsible individuals who pay rent on time who can then apply this credit to a first time home loan application. I have personally seen the effects of doing this. 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. And, were currently working on even more improvements. Similar numbers transitioned into the vacation rental tax class in 2021 and 2020. We have thousands of ADC ranch and farm lands out on the Westside that needs to be revived. We cant ignore the environmental crisis any longer. Jade Wai'ale'ale Battad, Dr. Addison Bulosan, Bernard Carvalho Jr., Mason Chock, Felicia Cowden and Mike. With permitted worker housing on farms, the likelihood of economic productivity is strengthened. NACo is While I know the Administration already works with a lobbyist in Washington, DC who is tracking all opportunities for federal funding for our County, I will continue to bring back and share valuable information on federal resources available for our County from NACo conferences and other virtual meetings and workshops. 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. The rising seas and flooding require us to look at limiting and even restricting any further structures being built along our shorelines and along our rivers. 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. Ensure the authentic Hawaiian culture is perpetuated and accurately presented in experiences for residents and visitors, materials and marketing efforts. There was a net increase of 133 TVRs on Kauai in 2022. The 2022-2026 CEDS is designed to sustain and grow the progress from the previous CEDS; continue the ongoing efforts to mitigate the effects of COVID 19; and, create and achieve new goals that support the economic vision set forth in our Kauai General Plan. The tax rate for the Vacation Rental class is the second highest tax rate in the county. QUESTION #5Do you support efforts to ensure that all vacation rentals, home stay units, bed and breakfast, and all transient vacation units are charged resort property tax rates? Protecting Our `Aina & Sustenance Lifestyles Protecting our Natural Resources, Agriculture (farming & ranching) & Local Sustenance Lifestyles (gardening, gathering, hunting & fishing). The other area would be to secure a solid river and stream maintenance program. This will enable new workforce housing in areas closer to work, reduce environmental and cultural impacts of urban sprawl, and reduce cost of production with pre-existing infrastructure. 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. More financial support and reduced taxes for food producing farmers. Hawai`is native ancestors revered and lived fully the values of Aloha `Aina & Malama Aina. Meaning that state and local governments have to allocate increasing shares of their budgets on retirement benefits that they have promised to their past and current employees. This leaves less money for all other essential services like transportation, parks, and public safety. This is to ensure fairness in accounting for visitor-related impacts and contributing to State and County revenue. In other words, this policy to increase TVR taxes to equal the resort rate comes directly from the General Plan. Private partnerships may be required, such as small scale anaerobic digesters under consideration. I will work with my colleagues to obtain all forms of funding to address our infrastructure needs. One important goal is to build, attract and retain a 21st century workforce with strategies of 1) providing our workforce with the skills they need to be gainfully employed, 2) assisting our schools in meeting college and career expectations; and 3) addressing talent gaps and brain drain by positioning Kauai as a desirable place for people to live and work. broward health medical center human resources phone number; . We need to ask how we can resolve parking issues, especially on the North Shore. And every new road is saddling the next generation with ever increasing amounts of infrastructure debt. February 27, 2023 equitable estoppel california No Comments . how to get a legendary blook in blooket; 5 minute presentation about yourself County vehicles should all be battery operated or hybrids by 2035. Bold action must be taken to better manage tourism to protect the environment and residents quality of life. The plan states that 1 in 8 homes on Kauai is a vacation rental, compared to 1 in 24 homes statewide. Continue to support the Mayor in this area. I value the main premise of the Kauai Destination Management Action Plan guiding the aim to rebuild, redefine and reset the direction of tourism over a three-year period. what states require consummation of marriage; new milford ct police scanner; reply to opposition to motion to compel california; environmental opportunities and threats in business; The technology is available and we need to get up to speed with what our options are. 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. We can do this by continuing to support our government institutions, schools, hospitals, catering companies, and hotels to use more local ingredients. My preference is for our county to focus on the solid infrastructure grants rather than soft infrastructure such as pre-school funding. I believe there are ways a Council Member can find pathways to those solutions that will support increasing local production, sourcing, processing, and distribution. I would start by looking at these areas and figuring out where the County is best suited to be able to help and how. Flush with money and drunk on the possibilities of the automobile, we spent large sums of money on sprawling infrastructure. The chair of the Nevada State Democratic Party is a felon convicted of grand theft in the 1990s and who was once ordered not to handle money at work without a probation officer's approval. Why? 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. 808-245-7363 4268 H Rice Street, Lihue, HI 96766[emailprotected]. Funding the new facilities or repairing our aging infrastructure is the largest barrier often requiring council approval of grants or bonds. In order for us to move forward, we have to do a combination of three things: 1) restore pre-existing agricultural systems 2) utilize innovative agricultural practices 3) help our community of consumers choose local produce first First, we must restore pre-existing agricultural systems by empowering local businesses and community organizations. I personally have lost faith in our recycling efforts. Thats partially because its so time consuming and expensive to develop within our town cores, so were pushing our development into our agricultural areas. My government experience is based on making sure that any infrastructure projects will need to be to be well planned out and supported at all levels of government with strong input from our community. When the Council on Wednesday chose Kagawa to replace former member Luke Evslin who is now a member of the Hawaii House of Representatives Kagawas placement in the election was a major reason. My sons are now young men able to help me, rather than needing my attention. 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. The pandemic has made us realize how important these animals can play in our survival. Kagawa, who worked on eight County of Kauai budgets during his previous tenure on the Council, will now tackle the Countys latest budget next month. I need more information about the Phase 2 and 3 land acquisitions and what the purpose and proposed use of that area is. The main pressure is on housing costs. As for steps Id take, I will.. work to ensure that our land use, capital improvements and all our programming considers our statewide and county plans and policies addressing climate change and sea level rise continue supporting Housing & Planning bills that increase housing and livability in our town cores so people can live close to jobs, services & recreation and rely less on driving. But some do like longtime Kauai politician Ross Kagawa, who has been chosen to fill a vacancy on the Kauai County Council. I believe its critical to have early engagement so that we can draft the best bills possible. A small Dairy to produce milk and cheese for our Hawaii population of people and local restaurants and Hotels would be another viable industry if position in the right geographical area, up Mauka. The council was effectively permitted to select anyone to fill Evslins seat. Also working with DHHL to revitalize their Ag lands in Anahola is on my agenda. Kauai's newest County Council member is Ross Kagawa, a former councilman who was the first runner-up for a seat on the seven-member legislative body in the November election. I will be responsible in how I manage our county budget and operations. We need to also continue to reform our zoning codes to reduce the amount that people have to drive. I went to Kapaa Elementary, Kapaa Middle and Kapaa High School. Similarly, the Biden White House released a housing plan that Reward jurisdictions that have reformed zoning and land-use policies with higher scores in certain federal grant processes. Along these lines, its our job to help make these reforms in our zoning code to help set up our various Departments to maximize the chances of receiving grant money. Our County received a Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery Grant for $13.8 million to transform and construct our roadways, walking and biking paths in our downtown core of Lihue. We need to start the process to bring waste to energy technology to Kauai. Kauai, along with every other state and county in the country, is facing strong long-term fiscal headwinds from two sources: demographics and infrastructure. Eventually, we will need more inward and upward roads to deal with sea level rise and the flooding out of our highway along the shoreline. We also need to solve our traffic problem as this project once completed will create more traffic as well. Voters on Kauai also sorted through more than two dozen candidates to elect members to the seven-seat County Council. This is a state-wide effort that has and will defiantly make a difference for us all. Thank you. I continue to support reduce, reuse, and recycling programs and the need for a Resource Recovery Park where we can create a solid recycling program for our island. I believe curbside recycling needs to be implemented immediately. Contact Information 4396 Rice Street, Suite 209 Lihue, Hawaii 96766. 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. Delays in permitting only adds cost to projects. I am open to the idea of increasing all TVR property tax rates to resort property tax rates. The following candidates ran in the primary for Kauai County Council on August 13, 2022. 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 ! Kiewit and Mcubbins (2014) refer to this as the fiscal ice age. LIHU'E A resolution set to go before County Council Wednesday would increase the maximum salaries of the mayor,. We need to be better about promoting local famers and buying local to keep costs down. I will be following this issue diligently and am interested in public opinion. Top priority projects would get done first than feasible jobs next and then everything else according to budget and importance. Expanding & Maximizing Existing Infrastructure Besides additional funding, we must support expanding and maximizing our existing infrastructure. QUESTION #7What is your opinion of the Kauai Destination Management Action Plan (DMAP)? I would like to see agriculture become a sustaining industry here on Kauai. Recruiting and retaining qualified staffing is a continuous challenge. More excess revenue generated for 2022 occurred, in part, due to inflation on land values. 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. 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. We absolutely must focus on maximizing waste diversion to address our landfill problem. Please include your views on recycling, landfill site, source reduction, and other strategies. I recognize that the Mayor took a number of hard steps through the pandemic to keep Kauai safe some of which included essentially shutting down the TVR industry. 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. Kauai County has a mayor-council form of municipal government. Felicia Cowden is a Kaua'i County Councilmember who is focused on Putting People First! This page shows you the collective voting record of all the Kauai County Council Members. 2) Not build any new roads. Having a working relationship with the Engineer and Deputy Engineer ensures we are working very cohesively together. We live in a very special place in the world. I do not support an adjacent landfill in Kekaha, I believe the Mn Plain needs massive rehabilitation and Kekaha has taken enough trash and toxins, and this location is again too close to the coast and water table. L EGISLATIVE B RANCH 4396 Rice Street, Suite 209 . Giving friendly reminders that this is what these people are being paid to do. That we are talking to our Senators and House Representatives and making them accountable that we receive a piece of the pie that is equitable. I believe this is what sets me apart with most candidates as I am actively engaged in our small business community. Net working with the right people is very crucial. The safety features that include extension of the runway and realignment of the taxi-ways are important. Outreach efforts are already giving visitors important information upon arrival on how to be a responsible visitor and how to be respectful of our `aina and our people. And, by pursuing these, we can also save taxpayers money and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. I would continue to support the completion of existing housing projects such as Lima Ola where the land is available but the need for additional financial support is limited. These properties are not easily transformed into living units without kitchens, particularly with air conditioning failure. Aside from the simple math of an aging demographic, we also are facing an infrastructure crisis. Supporting the maintenance of the old plantation irrigation systems. I support the upgrades of the airport but no expansion until a study to determine our carrying capacity is completed. 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. I understand that this is a complicated issue that has to be addressed from many different directions. In particular, my focus would be for high speed internet access, better roads and bridges, investment in public transit, resilient infrastructure, and investment in environmental remediation. My life long community and environmental advocacy has motivated me to run for public office. My goal is to be proactive with our administration and work with each department to understand how we can create more efficiency in our systems. We guide food tours in town core centers, bringing visitors to locally owned restaurants and chefs that utilize local ingredients. Written by on 27 febrero, 2023. First, I would aim to pick an agriculture item that we on Kauai want and need and do market research to see what other state or country has the same demand for. Making plots available at all our County housing projects for vegetable gardens; these could be the training grounds for future vegetable farmers. Particularly, Im in support of utilizing the proven model of the management of Hena and see where we can do things similarly with county parks and other locations. But, for the reasons stated I think its the right decision. 177 . And a primary barrier for many businesses right now is attracting and retaining employees which stems at least partially from the high cost of housing. Kauai Real Estate, Huge Traffic Delays, Snorkelers Rescued Off Lawai Beach, Kauai Council Member Sentenced, May 31, 2022; . However, its partly our job to help set the Administration up for success on this front. Strengthen the economic contribution of Kauais visitor industry. The County is currently pursuing three large housing projects in Kilauea, Waimea and Eleele. I will work with the Department of Public Works, and other departments, to understand the ways that the council can ensure funding and needs are met for planned infrastructure projects to move them forward in a timely manner. If re-elected, I will continue to work on policies like those outlined above to help reduce the cost of housing for Kauai residents. I will work hard to make public workers accountable to deadlines. 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. Policy D.4. Reduce, reuse, recycle is a key component. We need to redefine the term affordable housing and focus on removing cost barriers for developers to be able to provide housing units that is truly affordable. I will continue this practice if elected. The DMAP Plan goal is to rebuild, redefine and reset the direction of tourism over a three-year period. We live on an island. If the Master Plan does not contain an option for no-growth in arriving flights, I think its important for our State Legislators to commit to not fund improvements meant to expand capacity. What parts to you oppose? While we advocate for healing ourselves, we must also demand healing for our environment. This power granted by the Kauai County Charter led to a last-minute surge in testimony from residents advocating for Fern nuenue Holland, a community organizer and leader against developers plans to build a hotel at the site of the former Coco Palms resort. It has become clear in recent decades that our agriculture practices and system can either hurt our climate, or help save it. 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 In that same Tax Review commission memo, the chair of the commission writes that Adjusting RPT rates to capture more revenue from high-value houses and non-resident owners can produce tens of millions more dollars per year that counties can use for growing needs. Raising the vacation rental rate by $1 to equal the resort rate will raise $4.5M which can be used for much needed affordable housing projects in Waimea, Lima Ola, Kilauea, and elsewhere. Districts work closely with county, state and federal governments and both public and private organizations in a non-regulatory capacity. In addition, I support the continuation of the current Kilauea Agricultural Park program throughout our island. Any additional density on agricultural land (like the constant push to allow ADUs on ag land) increases the value of agricultural land, increases the likelihood of non-farm development of that ag land, and makes it less likely that a farmer can pay off a loan or mortgage on the property. It will be sad, if a local family (2-3 generations) needs to sell their vacation home because they cannot afford the taxes. I see this as a way the wealthiest residents can give back and help assist those that are struggling with housing and being displaced. We also deferred a significant amount of road repairs and road resurfacing. 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. We established a monthly Downtown Lhue Night Market that brings local vendors and drives local buyers together. Kagawa narrowly lost election to the Kaua'i County Council last November, when he finished eighth in a race with seven winners. To be fair to everyone and with the county I would support a Tax. Joint-venture affordable housing project involving 36 multi-family units (AHE Group) and 32 single-family homes (Habitat for Humanity). In the short term I would start with adjusting the county pay scale as the core and work outward. Last but not least, we must create equity within our property tax system that protects our local families. Offering a more permanent 2% revenue stream into the Housing Revolving Fund to the voters through a ballot initiative is an imperfect measure that I will support. Having spoken with Hawaii DOT Airports division, my understanding is there has been a change of understanding regarding the sentiment of the community and they are willing to propose far more modest improvements and am waiting for such confirmation in a press release. 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. In 2002/2010 he represented Kauai and Niihau in the Hawaii State Senate (2002/2010) where he served as Majority Leader. Please view at your own discretion. This will enable local families to better provide for their extended families and create resilience for the ongoing economic challenges. I support curbside recycling and efforts to make recycling easier and more convenient for residents. My strength as a detailed, numbers guy fighting for our citizens hard-earned tax dollars is needed now more than ever. 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. My ideas are focused around establishing a stronger circular local economy that empowers our small businesses and entrepreneurs. And, of course, I really appreciate all of you being willing to engage with us when we reach out to you! In order to empower our community to practice waste diversion practices we must establish a recycling program and a Materials Recovery Facility. On our own, the County cant solve all of these issues (as some issues like water infrastructure require state funding and regulatory support), but there are two realms where the County plays a vital role: zoning and property taxes. In the event of a hurricane, a war, a prolonged economic downturn, or another catastrophic lockdown, there is minimal impact on the full living units in the TVR category. Reaching out to both the interest groups who would either benefit by an ordinance change, as well as those who may be negatively impacted is essential to successful implementation well before introduction of a bill at council. In a memo to the Hawaii Tax Review Commission, the Commission Chair Beth Giesting writes that: Hawaiis low RPT rates result in low annual expenses, and that also makes local real estate a relative bargain for investors and affluent second home purchasersto the extent that units are purchased for vacation rentals or second homes, there is less housing available for people who live here., #3 If youre taking a home off the housing market, then you should help with the construction of an affordable home. Josh Green's appointment to fill an empty House seat that covers the island's east. 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. We need to address overcrowding and transportation options to our visitor destinations like the current Northshore shuttle program that is currently being discussed with the hope of implementation soon. We have gone through numerous discussions on the siting of a new landfill namely the Maalo site in Hanamaulu. Lastly, we need to divert food waste from our landfill to composting facilities. I would like to see us growing the majority of food we consume on the island. We must continue programs like Go Farm Hawaii, Future Farmers of America, and Iwi Kua. Have watch dog groups in each community to sound the alarm when things, i.e road repair are not dragging on endlessly. While I support Policy D.4, in recognizing that zoning is a critical aspect of regulating vacation rentals, admittedly I wish there was a stronger policy on vacation rentals. The next highest tax class which is the Commercial and Industrial class with the rate of $8.10 per thousand. He worked as an accountant before spending nearly 20 years as a teacher. 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. Diversification is a buzz word that to many political candidates toss around with no plan to back it up. Kauai Community College could be a valuable partner in this effort. As we increase demand, we must increase supply by supporting our local farmers and future farmers. My top priorities are affordable housing, and recycling. impacts. Thats a 38% increase in nightly rates since before the pandemic. The focus will be on efficiency and accountability, so that any new system that is created doesnt cost our community more than it should. Revitalizing the ADC lands on the Westside is a huge part of my plan. My first focus would be to help local working families by creating incentives and reducing the financial barriers for additional dwelling units and additional rental units. If we run out of room at the Kekaha landfill without a new landfill ready to go, we may be forced to temporarily ship our waste off island at incredible cost to taxpayers. We must do everything we can to focus on waste reduction and diversion tactics. Right now our countys vision is to, Increase agricultural income and opportunities on Kauai through working closely with farmer groups to assist them in obtaining resources and other assistance to solve industry problems or take advantage of opportunities. My vision would to be to follow through with more programs focusing on educating the children and families in our community. kauai hotels kama'aina rate 2021; mary katherine backstrom net worth 2020; blackstone managing director salary. Putting this price tag of a MURF on our residence of Kauai will cripple their monthly budget. If elected I will dive into the research that has been done on things that have worked in other areas and connect with the groups working on this issue to address the gaps. There are many ways that we can do this. I believe as a County Council Member I would be able to pull together those that know the most about this topic in an effort to better understand the immediate farmer needs and blockages that are stifling progress.

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