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Editor’s note: For Hawaii’s Nov. 5 General Election, Civil Beat asked candidates to answer some questions about where they stand on various issues and what their priorities will be if elected.

The following came from Bart Thomas, candidate for Kauai County Council. The top 14 primary vote-getters advance to the general election. The other primary candidates are Abe Apilado Jr., Addison Bulosan, Bernard Carvalho Jr., Felicia Cowden, Sherri Cummings, Bill DeCosta, Fern Holland, Ross Kagawa, Arryl Kaneshiro, W. Butch Keahiolalo, KipuKai Kualii, Jacquelyn Nelson and Mel Rapozo.

Go to Civil Beat’s Election Guide for general information, and check out other candidates on the General Election Ballot.

1. What is the biggest issue facing Kauai County, and what would you do about it?

Kauai has several issues that will be addressed in the next few questions. But the Kauai island community is grappling with a pressing concern that requires immediate attention: the affordability of everyday essentials. Specifically, the cost of groceries has become a significant burden, with prices for simple items consistently exceeding expectations. For instance, a simple loaf of bread can now cost $10 or more, resulting in unintended consequences for consumers.

As a result, customers are forced to reassess their shopping habits, opting for fewer items and still facing substantial costs. A consumer who initially intended to purchase four full bags of groceries may be compelled to settle for two, compromising their ability to meet their dietary needs. This experience can be frustrating and may ultimately compromise the well-being and quality of life of community members.

If left unchecked, this trend could have far-reaching implications for the community’s overall health, social cohesion and economic vitality. Therefore, it is essential that we address this issue promptly and find solutions to make essential items more accessible and affordable for all members of our community.

2. Kauai has proven vulnerable to natural disasters especially on the island’s north shore. What would you do to improve disaster preparedness?

In the aftermath of the devastating disasters that struck Kauai in 2018, our community rallied together to provide critical support to those affected by landslides, flooding and food shortages. Rather than waiting for federal assistance, local residents and organizations took immediate action to offer aid to those in need, embodying the spirit of ohana that defines our island culture. 

To facilitate a swift and effective response, we established a dedicated response team comprising various organizations, including the Salvation Army, local churches, other relevant organizations. The team engaged in food distribution, shelter provision, blanket and clothing donations and other forms of emergency support.

To effectively respond to the devastating impact of disasters on our island, we will leverage our community’s collective resources and expertise to deliver prompt, targeted and coordinated assistance to those affected. This collaborative approach will not only ensure timely support but also prevent redundant efforts and identify immediate needs.

By closely collaborating with federal agencies such as FEMA and DOH, we will provide vital emergency response training and supplies to committed organizations, thereby strengthening the overall response capacity of Kauai County. Through this effort, we demonstrate our unwavering commitment to the well-being and resilience of our island home.

3. There are nearly 14,000 cesspools on Kauai that must be removed by 2050. With an average cost of $15,000 to $30,000 to convert to septic, many homeowners say making the transition is not affordable. How can the county help to jump-start cesspool replacements?

Our family’s 140-year-old plantation home, which has been in my wife’s family for generations, is steeped in history and tradition. However, it also presents its own set of unique challenges. Specifically, the property is equipped with two cesspools, which require significant maintenance and pose environmental concerns. The cost of converting to a septic system is estimated to be at least $60,000.

This is a common issue faced by many long-time residents on the island who have deep roots in the community. We are not alone in our struggle to balance our love for the property with the need for modern amenities and sustainable practices.

It is imperative that we explore solutions that alleviate the financial burden of this challenge. Implementing tax credits, rebates and incentives for septic system conversions would be a crucial step in this direction. Many families who have inherited these cesspools did not have a choice in the matter, and it is essential that we take steps to alleviate the burden on our community.

By providing support for septic system conversions, we can promote sustainability and ensure that our ohana can continue to thrive on this island for generations to come.

4. Traffic is getting worse on Kauai, and different regions face different challenges. What would be your approach to improve Kauai’s transportation problems?

The issue of transportation saturation on the island of Kauai presents a complex and multifaceted challenge. The proliferation of car rental companies, including peer-to-peer platforms like Turo, traditional rental car fleets and ride-hailing services such as Lyft and Uber, has resulted in an excessive number of vehicles on the roads.

To effectively address this issue, it is imperative to establish a comprehensive network of taxi services featuring qualified drivers and businesses operating under a unified regulatory framework. Crucial to this endeavor is ensuring compliance with all relevant legal requirements, including permits and licenses, to guarantee the safe and reliable transportation of Kauai visitors.

To better understand the scope of the problem, conducting thorough audits and surveys is essential to gather accurate data and insights. Additionally, increasing funding for Kauai’s public transportation system, particularly the Kauai Bus, which currently services the island from Kekaha to Hanalei, may provide a viable solution. This could involve investing in additional bus stops, vehicles, and robust bus passes to reduce traffic congestion and implement a more sustainable transportation solution.

5. The median price for a single-family home on Kauai has topped $1 million. What would you do to help address the shortage of low-income, affordable and middle-class housing? 

The covid pandemic has had a profound impact on Kauai’s real estate market. Simultaneously, our island has experienced a surge in population growth, driven in part by the influx of remote workers who have chosen Kauai as their new home.

The notion of “affordability” is indeed complex and multifaceted. While some may claim that new housing developments are being built at “affordable” prices, it is essential to consider the numerous challenges faced by builders, including shortages of materials and labor. These factors contribute to keeping prices higher than anticipated.

I propose collaborating with Kauai Community College to develop a training program focused on building skills in areas such as framing, drywall installation, electrical work, concrete finishing and HVAC installation. By providing hands-on training and certification opportunities, we can equip keiki with valuable skills and certifications that enable them to contribute to the manufacturing of affordable homes. Moreover, this initiative would not only benefit the community but also provide a pathway for our young people to acquire skilled professions and earn good-paying wages. Instead of outsource from other islands or the main land.

This partnership would not only address the pressing issue of affordability but also contribute to the long-term sustainability and growth of our island’s economy.

6. Kauai’s landfill in Kekaha will soon run out of capacity and there’s still no timely plan in place to build a new one. What can the county council do to address what could become a garbage crisis for the island?

I propose that we explore waste and recycling programs on other islands and states to identify best practices and innovative solutions that could be adapted to Kauai’s unique lifestyle. This is not a new challenge, and I believe that a comprehensive approach is necessary to address the issue.

In the interim, I suggest we focus on supporting local nonprofit thrift stores by assisting them in becoming more efficient and robust. When disposing of waste at the transfer station, let’s take a moment to consider the items that could have been donated to these organizations instead. Additionally, when families leave the island, they often load up remaining items that didn’t make the list for shipping and then drop them off at the landfill.

By making a few simple changes to our habits and mindset, we can make a significant impact on reducing waste and promoting sustainability on our island community. This is one issue where we should not reinvent the wheel. It needs to be addressed now. We are running out of room.

7. Overtourism can degrade the environment, threaten biodiversity, contribute to wear and tear on infrastructure, generate traffic and disrupt neighborhoods. What more can be done to better manage the island’s tourism?

The Covid pandemic has presented significant challenges for the people of Kauai, with a substantial portion of the workforce being laid off as a result of widespread shutdowns. Upon reopening, it became apparent that we had not adequately prepared for the influx of people seeking to return to work.

To mitigate this issue, I propose that the suburban community be notified via letter that vacation rentals (illegal) pose a significant threat to neighborhood stability. These rentals often result in excessive comings and goings at all hours, disregarding the concerns of local residents and disrupting the quality of life for families who live on the island.

I propose that vacation rental violators consider converting their properties to long-term rentals, which would help alleviate the shortage of rentals on the island. This approach would not only benefit local families but also contribute to a more sustainable and balanced community.

I recommend educating hospitality employees on the importance of preserving our island’s natural resources and cultural heritage. By instilling a sense of ownership and responsibility, they can play a crucial role in promoting responsible tourism practices. We must emphasize the value of preserving our island’s unique character and encourage visitors to adopt environmentally friendly habits. 

8. Should more be done to encourage agriculture and food sustainability on Kauai? What would you suggest? 

As an individual with a propensity for neglecting plant care (brown thumb), I am acutely aware of the importance of proper plant maintenance. In fact, my personal experience has led me to recognize the significance of sustainable agriculture and food systems in preserving the ecological, economic and social fabric of Kauai.

To promote these values, I propose a multifaceted approach that includes community outreach and education. This can be achieved through the organization of workshops, campaigns and events designed to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable agriculture and food systems on Kauai.

Furthermore, I suggest developing community-supported agriculture programs that directly connect consumers with local farmers. This approach not only reduces transportation costs but also increases food access and promotes direct marketing. By fostering strong relationships between consumers and farmers, we can create a resilient and sustainable food system that benefits both parties involved.

Through these initiatives, we can work toward creating a thriving agricultural community in Kauai that prioritizes environmental stewardship, economic viability and social responsibility. 

9. What would you do to ensure transparency and accountability in county government?

I firmly believe that every six months county government employees should be held accountable through a scorecard evaluation process. Currently, it appears that noise around government performance only resonates during election periods, when terms are typically two or four years long. However, I firmly believe that there are numerous low-hanging opportunities for improvement that can be addressed on a regular basis.

To promote transparency and accountability, I propose that a scorecard be publicly posted, providing a clear and concise overview of the progress and accomplishments made by the county government. This scorecard would enable the community to stay informed about the actions being taken to address pressing issues and ensure that the government is meeting its obligations.

By implementing this type of transparency measure, we can foster a culture of accountability and empower citizens to hold their elected officials accountable for their actions. Ultimately, this will lead to better governance, increased efficiency and improved outcomes for the island community.