LIHUE — An Anahola man who has previously served on Kauai’s County Council has announced his candidacy for the upcoming race.
“My hope is to get back to the job of making our county work better for our people and our island,” said KipuKai Kuali‘i.
For Kuali‘i, whose previous experience includes being appointed to the council and being elected to the council, the most important part of the job is making sure county leaders are accountable on budgeting priorities, limiting taxes and providing core services efficiently.
Kuali‘i has a background in government, nonprofit and community.
“I promise to bring a diversified viewpoint, strong financial background, Hawaiian values and a calm, productive energy to the council,” Kuali‘i said in a news release. “I’ll bring an experienced, level-headed, positive approach to collaborating with both public and private partners to develop and implement forward-thinking solutions to the county’s challenges.”
Through his work with the Hawaiian Homes Association and Homestead Housing Authority, Kuali‘i said he’s been part of a tiny homes project.
Affordable housing for Kauai’s growing families is important to
Kuali‘i.
“Our growing families need affordable housing for both homes and rentals,” he said.
The tiny home project, he said, is destined to bring affordable housing options for many in Hawaiian homestead communities and elsewhere.
“My commitment is to work with the mayor, our county housing agency, landowners and other community partners to put forward tax and land use incentives for the accelerated building of more affordable housing,” he said.
Kuali‘i serves as the director of operations at the YWCA of Kauai. He also serves on several boards within the community.
“Mahalo nui loa to all those who have supported me in my life of public service so far,” he said. “I’m confident that most have seen the kind of thoughtful, genuine and hardworking community leader I am and that I’m a fighter who doesn’t give up and won’t hesitate to speak up, always working my hardest to make a difference, especially on fiscal matters.”
Kuali‘i promises to strengthen and diversify Kauai’s economy by creating jobs and supporting local businesses, to build affordable housing and focus on core services efficiency.
Kualii should have been appointed a few years ago. The corruption by the unnamed Chair and a few hard line council members bounced Kualii out and put in their pawn to pass the worst legislation in years. This was corruption. Kualii is balanced, smart and caring. A good man that got shafted. I am happy a real man of the island is running. Look at the others…either super rich families, hard line agendas, backed by anti hotel, anti at, anti PMRF groups. Kualii is fair…the people are in his heart.
Would it not be wise to consider examining Mr. Kauali’is positions and performance during his last stint on the Council? Why not mention that he lost the 2016 Council election, and why?
I feel your chance has been had. We must change the way the council works. We need better management. Apparently you thought you did fine when you had a seat, but times are now changing and business as usual is coming to a screeching halt.
I’m sick and tired of a council who must continually subsidize all their problems with my hard earned money. Affordable housing, the bus, to name a few. You like the others think you can rob our wallets whenever the chance comes up. Work in the community where donations will help with your problems instead.