Civil Beat has asked candidates for the Hawaiʻi elections to answer a survey about where they stand on various issues and what their priorities will be if elected.

The following comes from Cheree Rapozo, nonpartisan candidate for Kauaʻi County Council.

Her opponents in the Aug. 8 primary election are Paul Noboru Applegate, Addison Bulosan, Trysten Fernandes Caberto, Mike Coots, Michelle Kaleiohi Correa, Billy DeCosta, Jeremy Haupt, Fern Ānuenue Holland, Keola Kaiminaauao, Arryl Kaneshiro, James Langtad, Thomas Lindsay Jr., Umi Martin, John Mattos, John Montemayor, Nelson Mukai, Yelena Okhman, Todd Ozaki, Michael Poai, Rachel M. Secretario, Taylor H. Shigemoto,  Dane Smith, James Trujillo and Herman K. Wilson and Skyler Workman.

The top 14 candidates will advance to the general election in November.

Go to Civil Beat’s 2026 Elections Guide for general information, and check out the other candidates on Civil Beatʻs 2026 Hawaiʻi Primary Ballot.

Why are you best suited for the job of council member, and why do you want the job?

I believe leadership begins with listening. I will ask tough questions, do my homework and make thoughtful decisions based on facts, integrity, transparency and accountability. My goal is simple: to earn the trust of the people I serve every day.

What is the biggest issue facing Kaua‘i County, and what is the first thing you would do to address it in the first six months after being elected?

The biggest challenge facing Kauaʻi is years of delayed planning for critical infrastructure. That has contributed to housing barriers, wastewater limitations, permitting delays and solid waste challenges. During my first six months, I will work with county departments to review major infrastructure projects, identify unnecessary delays, and improve accountability and long-term planning. We must stop reacting to problems after they become crises and start planning for Kauaʻi’s future.

Here’s one question from a constituent: How are we going to deal with wild cat colonies?

Feral cat colonies affect native wildlife, public health and animal welfare. I support a balanced approach that includes spay and neuter programs, adoption when possible, public education and targeted management in environmentally sensitive areas. The county should work with community organizations, veterinarians, and state and federal partners to develop practical, humane solutions that protect both our environment and our community.

There are nearly 14,000 cesspools on Kaua‘i that must be removed by 2050. With an average cost of $15,000 to $30,000 to convert to septic, how can the county help jumpstart cesspool replacements?

Many cesspool conversions on Kauaʻi cost well beyond $30,000, placing a significant burden on homeowners. The county should advocate for additional state and federal funding, expand low-interest loan and grant opportunities, streamline permitting and invest in wastewater infrastructure where feasible. We need practical solutions that reduce costs and help homeowners comply without creating an overwhelming financial hardship.

The median price for a single-family home on Kaua‘i has topped $1 million. What would you do to address the shortage of affordable housing?

Housing will remain expensive as long as unnecessary costs and delays continue. We need to invest in wastewater infrastructure, streamline permitting, reduce permit delays and costs and remove barriers that limit housing opportunities. In many areas, homeowners must install costly septic systems that reduce buildable space and prevent additional homes on properties already zoned for them. Better planning creates more opportunities for local residents to own a home.

Kaua‘i’s landfill in Kekaha will soon run out of capacity. What should the county council do to address what could become a garbage crisis for the island?

I believe the county must address the immediate landfill capacity crisis while developing a permanent, long-term solution. We cannot continue relying on temporary expansions caused by years of delayed planning. The people of Kekaha have carried this burden for generations. We need a solid waste strategy that plans ahead, reduces waste where practical, and protects our communities and environment. It’s time to solve this problem, not postpone it.

In recent years, Kaua‘i restructured property tax rates to widen the gap between rates for owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied property (i.e. vacation rentals, second homes) and dedicate a larger portion of those revenues to creating housing for residents. Do you support that move? Why or why not?

I support efforts to create more housing opportunities for local residents, but I also believe taxpayers deserve accountability. Any property tax changes should produce measurable results and be regularly reviewed to ensure the revenue is being used as intended. If a program isn’t delivering results, we should be willing to reevaluate it. Good policy requires both compassion and accountability.

What would you do to encourage more local food production on Kaua‘i, balancing the needs and challenges of both small and large farmers?

I believe Kauaʻi can strengthen local food production by partnering with the state, the Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC), and major agricultural landowners to expand affordable long-term agricultural leases, especially on the Westside. We should improve irrigation, streamline permitting and support a Westside food processing facility to help farmers reduce costs, add value to local products and strengthen Kauaʻi’s food security.

What is your assessment of programs combating invasive species on Kaua‘i and what other measures would you advocate for in office?

Invasive species continue to threaten Kauaʻi’s environment, agriculture and economy. From banana bunchy top virus and papaya ringspot virus to the coconut rhinoceros beetle, we’ve seen the damage these pests and diseases can cause. We must strengthen prevention, inspections, early detection, rapid response and partnerships with state and federal agencies. Preventing new invasive species is far less costly than trying to control them after they become established.

All of Hawai‘i has experienced damaging and dangerous weather events that have exposed weaknesses in our planning, preparation and response. Is Kaua‘i sufficiently prepared for the next Hurricane Iniki or Kona low system? Why or why not? What additional steps should the county take?

Kauaʻi is better prepared than it was during Hurricane Iniki, but we are not fully ready for the next major storm. Recent flooding exposed weaknesses in drainage, evacuation planning and emergency response. The county should prioritize clearing and maintaining streams, drainage channels and ditches, improve evacuation routes and shelter capacity, and strengthen coordination with state agencies. We need to fix known flooding problems before the next disaster, not after.

What should Kaua‘i County do to get in front of climate change rather than just reacting and adapting to it?

Whether driven by climate change or severe weather, Kauaʻi must be better prepared for flooding, coastal erosion and stronger storms. Preparing for the future means improving drainage, maintaining streams and ditches, investing in resilient infrastructure, protecting critical facilities and making land-use decisions that reduce future risk. Good planning today will better protect our communities and reduce costs for taxpayers tomorrow.

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

Transparency starts with listening. Residents deserve clear communication, easy access to county information and confidence that every taxpayer dollar is spent wisely. Government earns trust by being open, accountable, and willing to answer difficult questions.