2018 Primary Election Candidates

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KAWAKAMI, Derek S.K.
Name on ballot:

KAWAKAMI, Derek S.K.

Running for:

Kauai Mayor

District (if applicable):

N/A

Political party:

Democrat

Campaign website:

DerekKawakami.com

Current occupation:

Derek currently serves as a County Councilmember a

Age:

40

Previous job history:

In addition to his elected office positions, Derek has been Operations Manager for the Menehune Food Mart and worked in Operations for Big Save Inc.

Previous elected office, if any:

Derek is a former elected director of the Kaua`i Island Utility Cooperative(2006-2008), a member of the Kaua`i County Council (2008-2011 and 2016-present) and a former member of the Hawai`i State House of Representatives. (2011-2016). In each position, he

What qualifies you to represent the people of Hawaii?

Derek knows what it takes to run a large organization. He has a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and has extensive business and government experience (see above). He has also been active in the community, serving on the boards of, among others, the Kaua`i Economic Development Board, Police Activities League, Catholic Charities Advisory Committee and the Lihu`e Business Association.

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

Three of the many issues facing Kaua`i, Derek thinks most people will agree on. They include traffic, housing and the economy. But lifestyle issues, energy and the environment and quality of life for residents are also key.

If elected, what will be your highest legislative priority?

It is difficult to pick a single crucial issue over the others, but housing is certainly near the top of the list. Derek plans to hit the ground running. His administration will identify shovel-ready projects and get them moving. It will identify and fix bureaucratic roadblocks and permitting impediments to new housing development. It will push for more housing where jobs are—a measure that will help alleviate rush-hour traffic congestion. His goal is to build more smaller housing units, for kupuna and small families. Derek will build partnerships with landowners, unions, contractors, financial institutions and organizations like the Housing First program and the Hawai`i HomeOwnership Center.

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

Derek's administration will invest in county parks, establish outdoor gyms throughout our island, expand the Bike Path, establish free Wi-Fi where possible in locations around the island, encourage workplace health and fitness initiatives, support local food production for local consumption, and protect both the beauty and health of our `aina with watershed preservation and protection.

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

Derek has a robust program for the improvement of our traffic problems. It will include existing and new initiatives to reduce traffic congestion in and out of Lihue, and in the Kapa`a-Wailua area and west Kaua`i. He will expand bus transportation with more routes and additional service during critical times. County office hours will be reviewed to help reduce their impact on rush hour traffic. Derek will promote roundabouts where appropriate instead of stop-and-go intersections. And longer term, he will promote Smart Communities and walkable communities with safe walking and biking routes to schools.

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