2018 Primary Election Candidates

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Name on ballot:

YUKIMURA, JoAnn A.

Running for:

Kauai Mayor

District (if applicable):

N/A

Political party:

Does not apply/Nonpartisan race

Campaign website:

JoAnnYukimura.com

Current occupation:

Fulltime County Councilmember

Age:

Previous job history:

Legal Aid Attorney; Private Practice; Councilmember; Mayor; Vice-President, Trenchless Engineering; Councilmember

Previous elected office, if any:

Councilmember and Mayor

What qualifies you to represent the people of Hawaii?

I have served the people of Kauaʻi in elected office for 28 years, working full-time as a council member for 22 years and as mayor for six. During this time, I have worked with many citizens, government entities, nonprofits and the business community to bring lasting benefits to the people of Kauaʻi, including: the Kaua’i Bus, the Sunshine (Farmers) Market, self-helping housing, the first coastal bike path, 1500 affordable homes, and Kauai Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC), the only member-owned electric cooperative in the state. I have the experience, vision and know-how to lead the people of Kaua'i. Together we will create a future that is sustainable, prosperous and Living Aloha.

What are the top three challenges facing the voters you seek to represent?

1. THE DIRE LACK OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING. 2. TRAFFIC CONGESTION THAT HAMPERS THE ECONOMY AND DIMINISHES THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR RESIDENTS AND VISITORS. Kaua'i needs a land transportation system that moves people and goods efficiently around the island. Kaua'i County has an innovative land transportation plan that, if implemented, will help achieve such a system. It includes increasing Kauai Bus ridership by 1000% by 2035. Not only will it reduce congestion; it will also reduce greenhouse gases, fossil fuel usage and household transportation cost. 3. FINDING AN EFFECTIVE WAY TO MANAGE GROWTH AND KEEP KAUA'I KAUA'I EVEN AS WE GROW AND CHANGE. Developers, not taxpayers, should pay for infrastructure impacts caused by development. Community and General plans should be developed and implemented based on planning principles and community needs, not politics. Planning and permitting system needs to give developers and landowners clarity and certainty and a streamlined process for proposals that meet follow the plan.

If elected, what will be your highest legislative priority?

(Since the mayor is the chief executive officer of the County, I presume the question is not limited to legislative priorities)

As mayor, my highest priority will be to address the affordable housing crisis by building 1500 affordable homes in the next 5 years.

To do this, I will work to ensure that key elements are in place for achieving that challenging goal: 1. a source of public capital earmarked for affordable housing; 2. clear, fair and reasonable requirements for developer contributions to affordable housing; 3. a permanent affordability policy; 4. competent, dedicated and adequately funded County Housing Agency;
5. fiscal literacy training for homeowners; and 6. community understanding and support for all of the above.

If elected, what can you do to improve the lives of your constituents?

As mayor, I will continue to my work in providing affordable housing and expanding transit services. Housing and transportation are the two largest expenses in a household budget. The cost of living for families will be significantly reduced if people are able to pay no more than 30% of household income for rent or mortgage and save about $3500 per year by commuting to and from work by bus.

Household electricity costs will also be stabilized, even if oil prices increase, as KIUC increases its renewable energy portfolio. Managing growth effectively will also contain taxpayer costs and increase the quality of life by limiting sprawl and protecting Kauaʻi's rural character. Good planning will give certainty and clarity to developers which they deserve. We will build a sustainable solid waste system by reducing, reusing and recycling 70% of waste that presently goes into the landfill. This will reduce landfill costs and generate businesses and jobs. We will also built sustainable food, water, wastewater, electrical generation and transportation systems.

We will develop and support programs for children and youth that immunize our young people from drugs and despair. We will also end homelessness, and address Climate Change, We will do this together, including all who want to participate, with respect for all.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?

Kauai is at a tipping point, and we need experienced, visionary, and committed leadership to guide our way forward. My record shows that I can provide that kind of leadership. Together we can create a Kauaʻi that is sustainable, prosperous and living aloha. If elected, I will work unceasingly with all parties to achieve that goal so our children and grandchildren can thrive.