Kauai’s elected leadership is without three people who are no longer in office, but deserve appreciation for their contributions to this island over the years.
Let’s start with former Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr.
For the past 10 years, this man led Kauai with aloha. He was re-elected by wide margins, his popularity was somehow always on the upswing and his dedication to the people was beyond question. People gravitated toward him. If he showed up at a community function — and he showed up at nearly every one of them — it was a big deal. His smile and hugs and handshakes likely made the days of more people than we’ll ever know. This big man had big visions for Kauai and he was able to see some of them through. Under his leadership, the county was more connected with the people. It was more involved with outreach. He promoted healthy living and led by example, running a half marathon, biking at the Mayor-a-thon and walking at many fundraisers. He was a leader in efforts to encourage biking and safe streets. We have more bus stop shelters. We have more affordable housing projects. His commitment to the island’s culture and traditions made those things a focus for everyone. And he was a man of strong faith.
If there are areas where Carvalho could be criticized, it was for a county budget that rose steadily over the past decade, usually based on the argument that it was due to a higher cost of doing business. But the budget usually climbed by millions each year, to reach the most recent record budget, and his final one, of about $215 million. And a final trip to Portugal, shortly before leaving office, with a few other county employees that cost nearly $20,000, while well-intentioned as part of the Sister City program, looked to some like a paid vacation on taxpayer dollars and should have been left to the new mayor to continue those relationships.
But overall, Carvalho deserves high praise for his work as mayor of Kauai. He left the administration, this island, in good standing. He made people feel better and, we all know, when you feel better, you do better. His trademark “Aloooo——haaaa!” will be forever repeated. And, really, it was his spirit of aloha that he shared, more than any other achievements, for which we say thank you.
Former Council Chair Mel Rapozo ran a strong, determined campaign for mayor. He came up short, but his energy and drive throughout was a fine example for the rest of us. And under his leadership as council chair, the council did well. Certainly, there were times of arguments, disputes and divisions, but there always are in such entities. It comes with the territory and, frankly, can’t be avoided. That the council continued to operate as it did, to make the progress it did, to complete so many tasks, is a testament to Rapozo. He set the course. He came across, to some, as a gruff, no-nonsense man. He was that. But he was more. He was also humorous, insightful and caring and, at times, a soft touch. And at the end of the day, he always did his best for the people of Kauai. That is beyond question.
Councilwoman JoAnn Yukimura, termed out after serving four, two-year terms, has long been one of Kauai’s strongest advocates. If anyone has fought the good fight, even against the odds, it’s JoAnn Yukimura. She ventured into areas of the feral-cat population, affordable housing, environment, roads and homelessness, where she thought improvements could be made. She didn’t always win, didn’t always get her way, but defeat and criticism never kept her down. As a former mayor of Kauai, her commitment and dedication, too, is beyond question. Yes, she did at times ask too many questions of people who testified before the council, but it’s better to ask too many questions and use up a little more time than ask too few and later being sorry the vetting progress wasn’t better. She was thorough, thoughtful and deliberate. As the only woman on the council, she more than held her own.
These three, more than any other elected leaders, have greatly influenced Kauai. We thank them because they influenced it for the better. Their marks, tangible and intangible, will remain for generations.
And it’s not that these folks are retiring from politics. They are not the types to sit on the sidelines. We expect to see them back in action, in one role or another, digging in, getting involved, leading the way.
Until then, mahalo.
