Its important to note that this will require coordination with our state and federal representatives, and Im happy to work with our legislative team and do the work necessary to secure these funds for Kauai. Making sure all communities from Kekaha to Haena including Niihau is treated fairly and equitable in receiving funding towards projects. Reduce, reuse, recycle is a key component. As a member of the county council Ill work with our community organizations and administration to introduce several bills regarding environmental protection and stewardship. We are currently working on three major housing projects and recently just completed two. I do not support any tax rate increases or changes at this time as I do not believe increases are necessary to balance the countys budget. We live on an island. My preference is in the direction of Alternative 1 of the Lihue Airport Master Plan, as it is the least changed. I do not have enough information on the Lihue Airport Master Plan, to really support it. Please check out my website at www.lukeevslin.com to see a full list of policies that Ive worked on and a list of proposed policies for the future. I do not agree with discussions that occur off-line. 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. Regular updates from the Administration at Council meetings is one way to provide the public with an opportunity to be engaged in government operations. I would like to see us growing the majority of food we consume on the island. Top priority projects would get done first than feasible jobs next and then everything else according to budget and importance. I look forward to supporting more discussions in all the above areas. Please explain your answer. However, I have also been interested in bringing parity to the existing tax rate structure by increasing the rate of Transient Vacation Rentals to the same level as Resorts. not just property tax breaks, but significant state tax breaks. We are only a few years away from our landfill life cycle. The 2016-2018 Kauai Tourism Strategic Plan (KTSP) was unique among government sponsored reports in its clear-headed recognition that we are over capacity for tourism, that we need bold change, and that we should strive to keep our visitor count within 23,000-25,000. Diversification is a buzz word that to many political candidates toss around with no plan to back it up. 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. I will look at and instigate funding opportunities via the federal infrastructure bill. Theres a lot of great aspirational policies in the DMAP that require strong private, non-profit, and state partnerships. 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. If elected to council I will be an open door and listening ear for the business community. An example of innovative work is the work Mlama Kauai is doing with establishing a Food Hub and a place where farmers can prepare their products to be consumer ready. The average property tax rate in the US for resident occupied homes is $12.40 per $1k assessed value. I currently serve as one of three (3) Councilmembers from the State of Hawai`i on the National Association of Counties (NACo) board. E-mail sent to Councilmembers and Council Services Staff for inclusion as TESTIMONY: counciltestimony@kauai.gov 2. 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. Click here and log in to view this story Start Free Account. 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%. COUNTY OF KAUAI https://kauai.gov . The following came from KipuKai Kualii, candidate for Kauai County Council. There are many ways that we can do this. We are clearly over capacity for tourism and our General Plan contains bold language on the need to keep visitor arrivals at reasonable levels. For many, the barrier to converting to an EV is access to charging stations. My environmental science background will help with important decision making around environmental issues that will need to happen in coming years. Sounds a lot like our Native Hawaiian values of aloha `aina, kuleana, the kapu system and malama `aina. The DMAP is a positive forward step in creating a better relationship with tourism that feels less extractive to local residents. However, we fell two votes short of the five votes needed. If elected, I think education would help economic diversification. We need to site a new landfill. This is one idea that could create more jobs and solve one of our biggest problems here on Kauai. The Kauai General Plan says it best: agriculture is an important element in Kauais identity as a rural place, and it represents our greatest opportunity for economic diversification and food self-sufficiency. In my opinion, a thriving agricultural sector consists of both small and large farms producing food, lumber, and energy crops. 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. Reducing our waste generation and then diverting whatever we can from the landfill will be critical in establishing responsible waste management for our small island. The Kauai Tourism Strategic Plan clearly outlines that our infrastructure only has the capacity for 25,000 daily visitors but that we are almost always above that. He oversees the company's four business units, as well as its functions for technology . By increasing rates closer to US continental rates, we make it less attractive for offshore buyers to buy property in Hawaii and run TVRs. Making sure we increase our Capital Improvement Projects investments as we have done in this most recent budget. And, every year they come down in price. The focus will be on efficiency and accountability, so that any new system that is created doesnt cost our community more than it should. In the next two years, Im looking to implement all of the actions that were identified in the DMAP by the steering committee. Collaborative action by community stakeholders has addressed unsustainable visitor growth as well as climate change and social inequity. What qualifies me most is the genuine concern I have for Kaua`i and Ni`ihau and my commitment to making a difference! Policy D.4. Thank you. Put these forces together an aging population, aging infrastructure, and slowing growth and were facing difficult fiscal times. Why? Both our traditional Hawaiian people and later the plantations had strong, holistic (ahupua`a) land management practices that have been abandoned over the past 30-60 years. My lifelong experiences as a community organizer for economic and social justice has taught me how to work effectively with many different organizations and people. Yes, we need to give incentives to individuals who see individuals breaking the law. What accelerates this challenge is that we continue to increase our trash output by not practicing more waste diversion systems and at the same time were not enabling our community to be part of the solution. I need more information about the Phase 2 and 3 land acquisitions and what the purpose and proposed use of that area is. Every study on affordability includes increasing supply as a prerequisite for affordability. I believe that the aim of regenerative tourism as outlined in the DMAP, if harnessed properly, can assist with economic diversification and an expansion of eco-tourism, true cultural experiences and more revenue staying on Kauai. There is no need to have a residential rate, then a vacation rental rate and then a hotel and resort rate. I would refer to and continue to support the Kauai Comprehensive Economic Development Plan which provides a variety of strategies including affordable housing, providing better broadband access and the possibility of Kauai Innovation Center. Staycation At The Royal Hawaiian Hotel, Local Groups Sue County Over Poipu Beach Condominium Complex. And the motion failed both times. Addressing the lack of capacity at Kauais landfill is an urgent need. We then support our local vendors with our nonprofit retail store, Alakoko Shop. I do support expanding our TSA lines and hope that in the plan TSA will also be provided with more up to date equipment so that everyone can get to their next destination. What parts to you oppose? We need to improve our port security and get drugs off our streets while we work to address the issue holistically with counseling programs, on island detox and treatment centers and housing first solutions. In my first four budget sessions, managing the county budget has been relatively comfortable working with the mayors office as they have presented a balanced budget with excess to return to our county reserve fund. Promoting local production for local consumption. Supporting our local working class now is essential. I would use my management skills from working for Central Parking in Managing parking for Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, Halekulani Hotel, and Hawaii Prince Hotel managing 19 employees and a 2.5 million dollar budget. I would investigate all options for funding under this measure for all the areas of the bill that funding is being provided for. Council has approved ordinances to allow tiny homes, guest houses, additional dwelling units, and additional rental units for private, small-scale contributors, whereas there could also be potential for permitted farm worker dwellings if upcoming policy passes. Secondly, I would consider the construction and development of a highly qualified and sought after school for science and technology or arts & music conservatory. I envision reversing our current status quo to where 80% of our food comes from Kauai rather than imported. I lived in Germany as an exchange student where 20 years ago recycling is something everyone just does. Support the maintenance, enhancement, and protection of Kauais natural resources. Hawai`is native ancestors revered and lived fully the values of Aloha `Aina & Malama Aina. I would prioritize projects and tackle projects one at a time. A retail shop designed as a membership where were able to provide support systems through workshops and collaboration. why did giacomo baessato leave hailey dean mysteries. Kauai Community College could be a valuable partner in this effort. 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. I will work with our community organizations such as Kumano I Ke Ala, Waip Foundation, Mlama Hulia, Kauai Farm Bureau, Kekaha Agricultural Association, Kauai Cattlemens Association, Mlama Kauai and all other organizations to work on legislation that enables our farmers to meet the demand for local ingredients. 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. More County Funding In order to build our Housing Development Fund, Councilmembers Chock, Evslin & I recently voted to increase the Vacation Rental tax rate to the same level as Resort. Industrial food systems are energy-intensive and fossil-fuel based. Making sure our County works closely with the Dept. Cultivating oysters, clams, and other value add products for the community. We need to look at out of the box solutions to help offset and reduce rental costs and encourage and incentivize home owners to rent their homes on long term affordable leases to local families. Incentivizing Homeowner ARUs Last term we passed several bills supporting Additional Rental Units (ARUs); waiving zoning permit application, sewer & building permit fees; creating a subsidy for water meters; and exempting EIAs saving over $20k per ARU in fees alone. One part of the plan calls for us to transition to a new regenerative tourism; one that gives back more than it takes. Some owners may return to live in them full-time. Covid policies interrupted the regular attendance from strategic members of these organizations. 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. It is important to understand our community, and understand other communities around us. They are: Better management and enforcement of laws that protect Kauais natural resources Management of the number of visitors Education of visitors and residents Transportation issues and infrastructure Two-way communication and industry collaboration Support for local businesses. We are currently doing some of this work through Tasting Kauai, a food tour company. The best way to provide economic diversification would be to develop some sectors by itself and provide the enabling environment so that others can participate. While we do control the power of the purse, the County Council has no authority over the timelines for infrastructure projects. There is little environmental impact or infrastructure burden. I will work with our administration to practice waste diversion in all departments and lead by example by starting with the county council. I have been an advocate for social and environmental justice my entire life. Increases in passengers at this time I believe will stress our infrastructure and resources and negatively impact communities. I understand improvements for safety, convenience and comfort; however the people dont want more gates and more flights. My upbringing in a local family of fishermen, gardeners, gatherers, & hunters taught me the value of our `aina for our survival; for food sustainability & security. My preference is for our county to focus on the solid infrastructure grants rather than soft infrastructure such as pre-school funding. 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. EVSLIN, Luke A. Our Kauai Climate Change Adaptation Plan will indeed include Managed Retreat, a difficult response to coastal erosion where oceanfront property structures are demolished and rebuilt inland. Councilmember Addison Bulosan cast the sole no vote in a move he said demonstrated his wish to see more women represented in government. In 1979, Harris was elected to the Kauai County Council where he served a single two-year term. 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. Our island does not need a facility to receive more visitors. Anything we can do to incentivize home construction within and directly adjacent to our existing towns will help alleviate this pressure on our agricultural land. It also includes working with our Office of Economic Development, as well as State, business and community partners including our eight economic KauaI Economic Recovery Strategy Teams (KERST) to implement recovery strategy recommendations, our Kauai Destination Management Action Plan (DMAP) 2021-2023 and our Kauai Comprehensive Economic Development Strategic (CEDS) Plan for 2022-2026. Ensure the authentic Hawaiian culture is perpetuated and accurately presented in experiences for residents and visitors, materials and marketing efforts. I know that that could not have been easy to do, and I applaud his efforts to reduce the spread of COVID. Housing is easily the biggest issue that we face on Kauai, and I believe that the county has to pursue an all-of-the-above strategy to help solve the crisis. We could be doing so much more for our island. When asked why there were so many entering this class, the Finance Department said in a memo that we are seeing more Long-Term Rentals and Homeowners sell and or replace with Vacation Rental use. Similarly, in a report on the vacation rental industry in Hawaii, Hawaii Appleseed Foundation writes that Vacation rental units (VRUs) provide another significant pressure, leading to the reduction of available housing for Hawaii residents and driving up rents. This is because, Renting out a unit as a VRU is more profitable than renting it long-term, making VRUs particularly appealing for nonresident investors. As Appleseed writes, part of the attraction is that Hawaii has the lowest property tax rates in the nation. A Materials Recovery Facility has value especially for product that can be re-used on Kauai. The candidates for the Kaua'i County Council include, at top from left, the Rev. Kauai County Subarea Health Planning Council Minutes of September 15, 2022 Page 3 of 3 information/data to further assess the health care needs of the community. Kagawa narrowly lost election to the Kauai County Council last November, when he finished eighth in a race with seven winners. We have a large population of people and businesses on Oahu that could be our exporting market. I would agree with the DMAP in education for tourist coming to the island they should learn all the rules and laws of the island and they should respect the local people and their lifestyle. Updating our Ag Dedication criteria will before council this week. QUESTION #12As a member of the County Council, what steps would you take to mitigate the impacts of climate change on Kaua`i? 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