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 Yelena Okhman, 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, Todd Ozaki, Michael Poai, Cheree Rapozo, Rachel M. Secretario, Taylor H. Shigemoto,  Dane Smith, James Trujillo and Herman K. Wilson and Skyler Workman.

The top 14 candidates will go through 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 am running for Kauaʻi County Council because I care deeply about the future of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau and believe we need leadership that brings people together around practical solutions. For over 20 years, I have lived, worked and raised my family here. My experience in real estate and a master’s degree in Education and Linguistics have given me insight into local challenges. I will focus on housing, public safety, homelessness, infrastructure and a stronger future for our community.

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?

Affordability is the biggest issue facing Kauaʻi County. It affects housing, homelessness, workforce retention and the ability of local families to stay on the island. In my first six months, I would bring together community partners and county leadership to identify practical solutions and remove barriers to progress. I would prioritize housing, address homelessness and addiction, and ensure county resources are used effectively and transparently.

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

Feral cat colonies require both compassion and responsibility. I support humane, science-based solutions that protect native wildlife while reducing unmanaged cat populations. This includes spay and neuter programs, responsible pet ownership, and collaboration with animal welfare and conservation organizations.

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?

The cost of replacing a cesspool is a major burden for many families and can be much higher than statewide estimates. The county should expand grants, low-interest loans, and financial assistance programs while streamlining permitting. We should also explore innovative solutions, including modular and community-scale wastewater systems where appropriate. Protecting water quality is essential, but the transition must be affordable and realistic for local residents.

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 affordability is one of Kauaʻi’s greatest challenges. Local families deserve practical solutions to stay and thrive here. I support increasing workforce and affordable housing, expanding farmworker housing, encouraging tiny home and cottage communities where appropriate, and streamlining permitting — while protecting agricultural lands, infrastructure, and the unique character of our communities.

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?

The county must address both the immediate need for landfill capacity and long-term waste solutions. We should expand recycling, composting and waste reduction programs while exploring innovative technologies that reduce landfill use and recover value from waste. I support evaluating proven solutions used elsewhere, including waste-to-energy and circular economy approaches, while ensuring any option is environmentally responsible, financially sound, and transparent to the public.

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 policies that help local families remain on Kauaʻi and provide funding for affordable housing. Owner-occupied residences should not bear the same tax burden as investment properties or second homes. At the same time, we must ensure tax policies are fair, transparent and effective. I support regularly reviewing the results to ensure revenues are helping create housing opportunities for local residents while maintaining a healthy economy.

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

Kauaʻi should strengthen local food production by supporting both small and large farmers, reducing barriers to farming, and protecting agricultural lands. I would encourage farm-to-school and farm-to-kūpuna partnerships, school gardens, and local food purchasing whenever possible. By connecting farmers, schools, kūpuna programs, businesses and consumers, we can improve food security, support local agriculture and strengthen our island economy.

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

Invasive species — from Little Fire Ants (LFA), coffee berry borers, and CRB (Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle) to invasive plants — threaten Kauaʻi’s ecosystems, agriculture and water supply. Existing programs have made progress but remain underfunded. I support increased funding, stronger state and federal partnerships, stricter biosecurity and inspections at ports of entry, and expanded community education. Prevention is our best defense to protect our ʻāina and the future of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau.

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?

I recently attended a community preparedness meeting in Kīlauea and learned about both our strengths and remaining gaps. Kauaʻi has improved emergency planning, but we must be better prepared for a major hurricane or Kona low. The county should strengthen evacuation routes, shelters, emergency communications and critical infrastructure. Residents should be encouraged to prepare emergency kits, including radios, batteries, food and water, and identify shelter options with family and friends.

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

Kauaʻi must plan for the future, not simply react. We should invest in resilient infrastructure, protect our watersheds and coastlines, support renewable energy and local food production, reduce waste and strengthen emergency preparedness. Thoughtful decisions made today will protect our communities, economy and ʻāina — preserving the quality of life that our keiki deserve to inherit.

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

Transparency and accountability require open government and independent oversight. Kauaʻi is currently the only county in Hawaiʻi without a staffed auditor’s office. I support fully staffing and supporting the independent Auditor’s Office so residents can have confidence that taxpayer dollars are being spent effectively and transparently. Residents also deserve clear access to county information and meaningful opportunities for public input.