Clint Asuncion Yago Sr.
• Age: 58
• Occupation: Carpenter
• Town of residence: Lihu‘e
• Prior experience in government/leadership: N/A
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 plan to reach out to construction companies who are willing to donate their time to help build and contribute to Kaua‘i’s future and also create a nonprofit charity to help raise funds to cover the costs of building affordable for those in need. No taxpayer dollars will be used for this venture.
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?
Enforcing the community to lead more-sustainable lives is a solution I believe to be a worthwhile intervention against this issue. Resorting to creating a new landfill on Kaua‘i would only be a temporary solution. It is imperative for the community to compromise for the limited space we have on this island to preserve and protect our ‘aina. To avoid having to resort to creating an additional landfill site, environmentally friendly alternatives should be practiced, such as creating opportunities for locals to compost (developing community gardens, donating brown waste to local farms, etc.) that can be used in farming, landscaping, and gardening.
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?
Kauai County should make economic diversity a priority through identifying other sectors that the economy of Kaua’i relies on, such as retail-related work. Innovating ways to support local business from dissolution would be a step towards a more sustainable economic growth.
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?
Increase property taxes for high-income earners.
Q: What is driving you to seek election or re-election, and why should voters give you their vote?
I am passionate about protecting our people and our island. I would like to act as a catalyst for change- creating sustainable options for not only economic growth but to preserve the beauty of our island and for generations to come. I am willing to work towards restoring the quality of life for locals through exploring innovative ways to create affordable housing and living.
