Age: 52
Job: Kauai County mayor
Background: Former director, Offices of Community Assistance, County of Kauai; former director, Parks and Recreation
What is the most pressing quality of life issue, and what would you do about it?
Traffic. We must encourage alternative modes of transportation. We’ve expanded bus hours and routes. Ridership on the Kauai Bus has doubled since 2008. Kauai Community College students now have bulk discount bus passes. We’re also promoting Smart Growth, Complete Streets, and Safe Routes to Schools to make Kauai more walkable/bikeable.
What is the most important issue facing Kauai County, and how would you address it?
Maximizing solid waste diversion and siting a new landfill. We’ve increased our recycling rate from 29 percent to 43 percent since 2008, and are still aggressively pursuing curbside recycling, pay as you throw and siting a materials recovery facility. We’ve identified a new landfill site and are in the EIS process.
