NIUMALU — Lenny Rapozo, director of the county Department of Parks & Recreation, said he was nervous Thursday afternoon at the Niumalu Park pavilion. “I’m more nervous than when I got married, or had my two children,” Rapozo said. “The
NIUMALU — Lenny Rapozo, director of the county Department of Parks & Recreation, said he was nervous Thursday afternoon at the Niumalu Park pavilion.
“I’m more nervous than when I got married, or had my two children,” Rapozo said. “The only time I was more nervous was when we faced Kapaa High School in basketball.”
Rapozo announced that he will be running for mayor of Kauai in 2018 before a crowd of several hundred people, including family and friends.
“I believe I can make a difference for the people of Kauai and Niihau,” Rapozo said.
The announcement triggered enthusiastic applause from the crowd, including Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr., who announced his candidacy for the lieutenant governor’s office Wednesday.
“This is unbelievable,” Rapozo said. “I asked people to come and they offer to make something for everyone to eat. One person said they’ll bring pancit, another said they’ll catch fish. It’s something else.”
Rapozo has nearly 30 years of experience in both state and county government, including his current position. He said this involvement in the community has helped him understand the need for partnerships in order to move projects forward.
“I stand before you today, humbled by your faith in me,” he said. “Together, we will win this election and continue to move the County of Kauai forward, making things better for the people of Kauai and Niihau.”
County Council Chair Mel Rapozo and County Councilmember Derek Kawakami are also running for mayor.
