Bernard Carvalho
• Age: 60
• Occupation: Kaua‘i County Council Member
• Town of residence: Kapa‘a
• Prior experience in government/leadership: Kaua‘i Department of Education State of Hawai‘i, Substitute Teacher; County of Kaua‘i Parks and Recreation Division, Recreation Leader III; Department Head of the Offices of Community Assistance, County of Kaua‘i; P/T MC for Tihati Productions Polynesian show; Director Department of Parks and Recreation; Mayor, 2008-2018; Kaua‘i County Council member, 2020-present
Q: The coronavirus pandemic decimated the tourism industry Kaua‘i – and the state – is so reliant upon. Should Kaua‘i County make economic diversity a priority, and if so, how?
Our county did a tremendous job in addressing the economic shock that the coronavirus pandemic brought to our island. Our County administration made the tough decisions that resulted in the lowest daily new cases of COVID-19 throughout the state during the beginning of this pandemic which resulted in positive outcomes for our people. To assure economic diversity, six industry clusters were identified as promising areas of growth and they are: Food and Agriculture; Sustainable Technologies & Practices; Science and Technology; Health and Wellness; Sports and Recreation and Arts and Culture. I look forward in continuing to work together to assure that these areas provide positive results for our community.
Q: Kaua‘i continues to look for a new landfill site, years after its search began.The clock is ticking: The Kekaha landfill is currently projected to reach capacity in January 2027. What is your preferred solution?
First order of business is to site a new landfill location soon. We have gone through numerous discussions on the siting of a new landfill namely the Ma‘alo site in Hanama‘ulu. This site was listed as a viable site through a comprehensive study that was done on potential landfill locations on our island. However, due to close proximity to the airport and birds that could pose a hazard to the airport area, this location is no longer acceptable. I continue to support reduce, reuse, and recycling programs and the need for a Resource Recovery Park where we can create a solid recycling program for our island.
Q: The median price of a single-family home on Kaua‘i is over $1 million, and the County’s 2018 General Plan reported 44% of all households are cost-burdened. How will you address the affordable housing crisis in Kaua‘i County?
I would continue to support the completion of existing affordable housing projects such as Lima Ola where the land is available but the need for additional financial support is limited. We need to assure that support funding is available, so we are able secure additional funding to complete these housing projects and look forward to more affordable housing opportunities in the future.
Q: The County Council sets real property tax rates as part of the County budget process. What changes, if any, would you make to the way that property is taxed on-island?
I have no major changes at the moment. We continue to look closely at the various tax classes and tax rates to ensure that homeowners are benefiting from our various programs that include exemptions from assessments.
Q: What is driving you to seek election and why should voters give you their vote?
As the former Mayor and current council member, I would like to continue to work with my fellow council members and together in seeking solutions for our island home. With my leadership experience, I would like to continue my service to our people as a council member who is open and able to bridge and connect resources.
