WAIMEA — Arthur Brun wants to run for Kauai County Council because he wants to give back to the place he’s called home his whole life.
“I’ve always been attached to giving back to the community,” he said. “Our children are our future, and we have to help them (get) started.”
Born and raised in Kalaheo, Brun is a graduate of Waimea High School. In addition to working at Syngenta, he volunteers in the community.
He helps with monthly church on the beach at Kauai Bible Church, Kauai PONY Baseball, Kauai AJA Baseball, Kauai Pop Warner Football League and Kauai Police Athletics League football league.
“Growing up, I always had a baseball coach; now it’s time to give back as an adult,” said Brun, who filed candidacy papers on May 9.
He also works with Kauai Community Correctional Center, providing work release opportunities for inmates.
“They’re one step away from being released. When they are, they will have money to fall back on,” Brun said. “They made mistakes and have paid their time, so let’s get them back to society.”
Brun is running on a platform that focuses on affordable housing and infrastructure repair.
“There are a lot of local people becoming homeless because they cannot afford to buy a house,” he said.
While fixing roads and raising the funds to do so is a “hot issue,” it’s important to work together to solve the problem, Brun said.
“We have to find a common ground for everyone, and not just force people into things,” he said.
Providing the resources for people suffering from drug addiction is another priority for Brun, who has served on the county’s Anti-Drug Treatment and Community Integration Committee for the last two years.
“My own personal experience of overcoming substance abuse makes me 100 percent committed to helping others find the right path,” he said.
Brun ran for the County Council in 2014, but fell short.
“That was an incredible experience. My family and supporters have been encouraging me to run again, and I’m humbled by their support,” he said.
Getting involved and making a difference is why he decided to run again, Brun said.
“When you do it from the heart, it’s a great feeling,” he said. “There’s kids who, 20 years later, come to me and call me coach. The word ‘coach’ is an awesome feeling.”
Brun lives in Waimea with his wife, Michelle, and five children.
