Kauai’s future at stake with election, so vote

One thing is for certain about Tuesday’s general election on Kauai: It’s going to be a doozy. You want to be a part of this.

One could argue that votes cast on Nov. 6, and those already cast, are perhaps as significant as any election in recent history. At stake, as everyone knows by now, is the mayor’s post and seven council seats.

The political contest for the mayor’s office between Council Chair Mel Rapozo and Councilman Derek Kawakami is the talk of the town. Both are good men with experience in politics and deep roots on Kauai. They are smart and have the strength and conviction to carry out their visions if elected to this island’s top elected office. But, and as it should be, they don’t have the same visions. They don’t have the same plans or goals.

At this point in the election, we’re not going to offer any pros and cons on these candidates. We will say we think Kauai is fortunate to have two strong mayor candidates. We don’t want anyone to think we’re trying at the last minute to influence voters. By now — after months of public forums, town halls, Kauai Chamber of Commerce interviews on YouTube, and TGI’s own profiles — we believe the voters have sufficient information to make sound decisions at the polls.

For the sake of transparency, we will tell you that a few supporters of Kawakami and Rapozo both told TGI our coverage wasn’t fair. One said our election stories have favored Kawakami. A recent note to this editor said our paper was biased against Kawakami. Go figure.

We do encourage anyone to read the profiles written by Allan Parachini on both Rapozo and Kawakami published in TGI Oct. 21 and available at thegardenisland.com. Both stories offered good insights to these men, a bit about who they are, and why they want to be mayor.

On the council races, candidates on the ballot include incumbents Arthur Brun, Mason Chock, Ross Kagawa and Arryl Kaneshiro. Challengers include Juno Apalla, Felicia Cowden, Billy De Costa, Milo Spindt, Luke Evslin, Adam Roversi, Shaylene Iseri, KipuKai Kuali‘i, Norma Doctor Sparks and Kanoe Ahuna.

Kauai could see many new faces joining the council. While it’s generally expected the incumbents will be re-elected, there could be some surprises. There have been upsets in past elections. The real battle could be fought for the sixth and seventh spots on the council. Based on the primary results, it could be that a hundred votes or fewer determine who claims a seat and who misses out.

That said, we’re not going to offer pros and cons on the council candidates, but we will say voters have some tough choices to make. Some fine people are seeking office. We do encourage you to read up on the candidates, know who they are and what they stand for, and cast your vote accordingly.

The outcome of the council race, just as the outcome of the mayor’s race, will influence the future of Kauai. So, please, take your duty to vote seriously.

Voters are also deciding on several ballot initiatives, including whether to end term limits for councilmembers. TGI covered these in detail on Thursday and that story can be found on our website. We encourage you to read it.

Finally, most important, is that people vote. If you’re registered, you’re good to go. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

If you don’t know where your polling place is based on your address, visit elections.hawaii.gov to find your polling place or call 453-8683.

And yes, qualified residents may still register and vote in the general election. To qualify, you must be a U.S. citizen, Hawaii resident, and at least 18 years old.

May the best candidates win.