Civil Beat has asked candidates for the Hawaiʻi General Election on Nov. 3 to answer a survey about where they stand on various issues and what their priorities will be if elected.

The following comes from Bernard Carvalho Jr., nonpartisan candidate for the office of Kauaʻi County Mayor.

His opponents are Felicia Cowden, Megeso-William Denis, Laura Andaya-Lindsey, Mel Rapozo and Michaela Widener.

Go to Civil Beat’s 2026 Election Guide for general information, and check out the other candidates on the Hawaiʻi Primary Election Ballot.

Why are you best suited for the job of mayor? And why do you want the job?

I am best suited for mayor because I have the experience, the relationships and proven record of delivering results for our island and our people. As mayor from 2008 to 2018 I led Kauaʻi through some of the most challenging times in our history from economic uncertainty, natural disasters, and growing pressures on housing, infrastructure and tourism. Throughout these challenges I focused on bringing people together, finding practical solutions and getting things done.

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?

I would: Fast track housing projects already in the pipeline by identifying permitting infrastructure and regulatory bottlenecks that can be resolved quickly. Work closely with state agencies, developers, nonprofits and community organizations to move affordable housing and workforce housing programs such as gap housing options.

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

The goals should be:

• Fewer wild cats over time
• Better protection of native wildflife
• Reduced impacts on neighborhoods and public spaces
• Humane treatment of animals

Like many challenges on Kauaʻi, success will require collaboration between government, nonprofits, conservation groups, veterinarians and residents. By working together, we can develop a longterm strategy that protects both our island’s natural resources and the animals in our care.

The cost of living on Kaua‘i is rising. How are working and middle-class people expected to buy a house or pay the rent as well as take care of other expenses? And how can the county government help?

I will take meaningful action by:

• Partnering with nonprofit and private developers
• Expanding workforce housing opportunities
• Supporting first-time homebuyer programs
• Prioritizing infrastructure investments that allow housing projects to move forward
• Modernizing permitting systems

My goal is simple: A Kauaʻi where teachers can afford to teach here, where workers can afford to live here, where our children can build futures here and where seniors can age in place with dignity.

Kauaʻi has been targeted for enforcement by ICE agents. What will be the position of your office to requests for more cooperation by county law enforcement and federal authorities?

The county will comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, as well as valid court orders and legal requirements. At the same time, we must ensure that the constitutional rights and due process protection of all individuals are respected. Our police offices are most effective when residents feel comfortable reporting crimes, and seeking assistance without fear. Building and maintaining trust between law enforcement is essential to keeping Kauaʻi safe.

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

Protecting Kauaʻi from invasive species is not simply an environmental issue, it is an economic issue, a public health issue, an agricultural issue and cultural issue. As mayor I would support a private approach focused on prevention, science-based management, strong partnerships, public education and sustainable funding. Our goal must be to protect Kauaʻi’s unique natural heritage and ensure that future generations inherit an island that remains healthy, productive, and resilient.

What solid waste solutions do you think should be considered as the Kekaha Landfill approaches full capacity in 2027?

As with many challenges on Kauaʻi, success will come through collaboration between the county, the state and federal partners, private sector and, and our community. Our responsibility is clear, we must protect our land while ensuring essential services remain affordable.

We must act now to:

• Reduce waste at the source
• Expand diversion systems
• Invest in modern processing solutions
• Plan responsibly for long-term disposals needs
• Reduce, reuse and recycle
• Site the new landfill location

The Kaua‘i County Council has debated tougher regulations for shoreline setbacks. Do you support more stringent oversight of improvements and should more homes be moved farther back rather than face costly renovations or remediation measures?

The bottom line is yes, we should strengthen shoreline oversight where risk is clear and scientifically supported, but we must also be honest: Kauaʻi cannot simply “regulate its way” out of coastal change. We will need a combination of smarter land-use planning, targeted relocation in the most hazardous areas, infrastructure adaptation where feasible and long-term community-based planning. The guiding principle should always be to protect people first, plan responsibly for the future.

Overtourism can degrade the environment, contribute to wear and tear on infrastructure, generate traffic and disrupt neighborhoods. What do you think about the amount of tourism on Kaua‘i and how it’s managed?

As mayor, I will continue strengthening the county’s destination management planning efforts, aligning tourism growth with:

• Environmental protection
• Infrastructure capacity
• Community input
• Cultural stewardship

Tourism is part of Kauaʻi’s identity and economic foundation, but it must never come at the expense of the people who call this island home. The guiding principle should be simple: Tourism should enhance Kauaʻi, not overwhelm it.

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? What else should the county be doing?

My focus would be on shifting from a response-based system to a resilience-based system where:

• Infrastructure is hardened before disaster
• Communities are equipped to self-support for longer periods
• Recovery timelines are shortened through pre-planning

We cannot prevent major storms from hitting Kauaʻi, but we can determine:

• How prepared we are
• How well we protect our people

Preparedness is not a one-time project, it is a continuous commitment to protecting this island and its future.

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, many homeowners say making the transition is not affordable. How can the county help jumpstart cesspool replacements?

My approach would be to make compliance affordable by:

• Creating a county cesspool conversion assistance program
• Pursuing federal and state funding aggressively
• Prioritize high-risk areas first
• Explore community and cluster systems
• Streamline permitting and inspections
• Advocate for realistic timelines

The county should not simply tell homeowners what they must do. We should help them find a way to do it.

How would you make the county administration more transparent and accessible to the public?

As mayor, i would focus on the following priorities:

• Bring government closer to the people
• Improve public access to information
• Increase transparency in budgeting
• Improve responsiveness and customer service
• Use technology to increase engagement
• Strengthen boards, commissions and public participation
• Foster a culture of accountability

Transparency must be part of the culture of government. I would expect every department to communicate openly with the public.