Island History

Antone Kona Vidinha (1902-1976) served one term as Chairman of the Kauai Board of Supervisors during 1967-1968 and two terms as Kauai’s first mayor, 1969 through 1970, and ‘71 through ‘72.

Vidinha’s greatest challenge during his initial term as mayor was to transition Kauai from the board of supervisors to the mayor-council form of government still in effect on Kauai today.

In contrast, his second term was scandalized by charges of corruption against Kauai County personnel connected with a stadium contract.

Although Mayor Vidinha was never alleged to have been involved in scandal, allegations of collusion, double payments and falsified documents led to temporary suspensions of two county employees, the firing of another couple of county personnel and the dismissal of the police chief.

Then in November 1972, Vidinha’s personal integrity was questioned when he was indicted on charges of Federal income tax evasion.  He was convicted in March 1973, but upon appeal to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco, his conviction was overturned in September 1973.

He also suffered reelection bid defeats in 1972 and 1974 that effectively ended his political career.

Despite his trials and tribulations, nearly everyone who knew him considered him to be a kind, generous, and honest gentleman.

Antone Vidinha had enjoyed superb health for all his 73 years, yet he died suddenly of a heart attack on February 26, 1976.  He was survived by his wife Edene.

Throughout the years, Vidinha had bought land on Kauai, which at the time of his death was worth an estimated $10 million.  His fortune was later used to establish The Antone & Edene Vidinha Charitable Trust to financially assist Kauai’s churches, hospitals, health organizations, and college students.

Vidinha Stadium in Lihue is named after him.