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 Addison Bulosan, nonpartisan candidate for Kauaʻi County Council.

His opponents are Paul Noboru Applegate, Trysten Fernandes Caberto, Mike Coots, Michelle Kaleiohi Correa, Billy DeCosta, Jeremy Haupt, Fern Ānuenue Holland, Keola Kaiminaauao, Arryl Kaneshiro, James Langtad, Thomas Lindsay Jr., Umi Martin, John Mattos, John Montemayor, Nelson Mukai, Yelena Okhman, Todd Ozaki, Michael Poai, Cheree Rapozo, Rachel M. Secretario, Taylor H. Shigemoto, Dane Smith, James Trujillo and Herman K. Wilson and Skyler Workman.

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

Why are you best suited for the job of council member, and why do you want the job?

I’m not the perfect candidate, but I believe I’m at my best when serving others and bringing people together to solve problems. Raised in a multigenerational home, I learned to help where you can, do good because it is good, and show up where it counts. Over the last four years, we’ve advanced housing, infrastructure and cost-of-living solutions. There’s still more work to do, and for me, this has never been about a title — it’s about kuleana.

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?

The biggest issue facing Kauaʻi is the cost of living, and housing is at the center of it. If reelected, my first six months will focus on the county budget and working with the new mayor to prioritize local workforce housing. We must continue moving affordable housing projects forward while investing in wastewater, water and landfill infrastructure that supports housing, protects our environment and helps reduce costs for local families.

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

We need practical solutions that balance compassion and responsibility. I support expanding spay and neuter programs, adoption efforts, microchipping, public education and stronger enforcement against animal abandonment. At the same time, we must protect native species and sensitive habitats where feral cats cause harm. We can care for animals while also caring for our environment.

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, how can the county help jumpstart cesspool replacements?

We cannot require families to spend $15,000 to $30,000 and then leave them on their own. I support expanding county grant programs, prioritizing sewer investments, finalizing our islandwide sewer plan, and pursuing additional state and federal funding. If government requires the change, government should help people get there, especially kūpuna and working families already struggling with the cost of living.

The median price for a single-family home on Kaua‘i has topped $1 million. What would you do to address the shortage of affordable housing?

Housing has been one of my top priorities. We expanded ARUs and ADUs, increased housing investments, and advanced affordable housing projects islandwide. We must continue building on that momentum by moving projects forward, supporting workforce housing, preserving long-term rentals, protecting generational homes and prioritizing housing in areas with existing infrastructure. Local families must remain our priority.

Kaua‘i’s landfill in Kekaha will soon run out of capacity. What should the county council do to address what could become a garbage crisis for the island?

I support moving forward with the Maʻalon landfill site and expediting that process. At the same time, we must invest in diversion programs such as composting, green waste diversion, construction recycling, reuse programs,and waste reduction. I also support extended producer responsibility legislation so manufacturers share responsibility for waste. We need solutions at every stage of the waste stream.

In recent years, Kaua‘i restructured property tax rates to widen the gap between rates for owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied property (i.e. vacation rentals, second homes) and dedicate a larger portion of those revenues to creating housing for residents. Do you support that move? Why or why not?

Yes. A local family living in their home should not be taxed the same as a luxury second home, vacant investment property or vacation rental. Our tax policies should reflect our values by supporting resident housing and asking more from properties that are not serving local housing needs. If we want local families to stay here, our tax system should help make that possible.

What would you do to encourage more local food production on Kaua‘i, balancing the needs and challenges of both small and large farmers?

Local food is about survival, culture, health, jobs and emergency preparedness. We need to support both small and large farmers by improving access to land, water, permitting and local markets. The county should continue protecting agricultural lands, expanding existing agricultural programs and making it easier for farmers to create value-added products that strengthen our local food system.

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

We have dedicated people doing this work, but they need more support. Prevention must remain our top priority by strengthening protections at ports, nurseries, landscaping suppliers and other high-risk entry points. Prevention is far less costly than cleanup. We must also continue investing in innovative solutions that reduce impacts on agriculture, watersheds, native ecosystems and local communities.

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? Why or why not? What additional steps should the county take?

We are more prepared than before, but there is still work to do. The county continues investing in shelters, communications, backup power, evacuation planning and community partnerships. Our biggest challenge is community-level preparedness. Families and neighborhoods need plans because government will not reach everyone immediately during a major disaster. Preparedness must live within the community.

What should Kaua‘i County do to get in front of climate change rather than just reacting and adapting to it?

Climate change is already here. We see it in flooding, stronger storms, coastal erosion, infrastructure damage and rising costs. We must continue implementing our climate adaptation plans, restoring natural systems and supporting community-led resilience efforts. The county should also continue adopting forward-thinking planning and infrastructure policies that prepare Kauaʻi for future conditions.

What would you do to ensure transparency and accountability in county government?

Government should be easy to understand and hard to hide behind. Residents deserve to know where money is going, what projects are moving and who is responsible. Transparency means more than posting documents online — it means showing up, explaining decisions, listening to concerns and being honest when things are not working. Accountability is following through and ensuring that government serves the people.