LIHUE — A tight battle for the final seat on the Kauai County Council ended with a newcomer knocking off an incumbent to join the seven-member governing body on Wednesday.
Fern Anuenue Holland inched ahead of County Council member Ross Kagawa to claim position No. 7. Kagawa was one of two incumbents to fall in the election with the other being Billy DeCosta, who ended up one position behind Kagawa, according to a 2024 General Election report issued on Wednesday afternoon.
Bernard P. Carvalho Jr. led the field of candidates with 15,391 votes or 7.2 percent of the total. County Council Chair Mel Rapozo was second with 14,365 votes or 6.7 percent.
Former County Council member Arryl J. Kaneshiro rejoined the group with 13,021 votes or 6.1 percent. Addison Bulosan was next up with 12,350 votes or 5.8 percent.
Felicia Cowden followed with 12,285 votes or 5.8 percent. KipuKai Kualii rounded out the list of incumbents to make the cut with 12,251 votes or 5.8 percent. Each winner earned a two-year term.
Voters also weighed in on a number of amendments to the organizational document of the County of Kauai, known as the Charter of the County of Kauai.
The Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Fund amendment received the most support with 21,361 votes or 70.1 percent, compared with 3,670 votes or 12.0 percent against the amendment.
The Police Commission Investigations amendment received the second most support with 20,117 votes or 66.0 percent, compared with 4,911 votes or 16.1 percent against.
The Ex-officio Youth Position on County Boards and Commission amendment received the third most support with 17,279 votes or 56.7 percent, compared with 7,271 votes or 23.9 percent against.
The Surety Bonds amendment received the fourth highest level of support with 15,905 or 52.2 percent, compared with 7,867 or 25.8 percent against.
The Cost Control Commission Report amendment rounded out the field with 14,174 votes or 46.5 percent in support, compared with 10,037 or 32.9 percent against.
The turnout for the 2024 General Election measured 30,484 or 63.3 percent of the registered voters on the island. Mail turnout accounted for 56 percent of the total vote. Results are unofficial and subject to change.
