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 Michelle Kaleiohi Correa, nonpartisan candidate for Kauaʻi County Council.

Her opponents are Paul Noboru Applegate, Addison Bulosan, Trysten Fernandes Caberto, Mike Coots, Billy DeCosta, Jeremy Haupt, Fern Ānuenue Holland, Keola Kaiminaauao, Arryl Kaneshiro, James Langtad, Thomas Lindsay Jr., Umi Martin, John H. Mattos, John Montemayor, Nelson Mukai, Yelena Okhman, Todd Ozaki, Michael Poai, Cheree Rapozo, Rachel M. Secretario, Taylor H. Shigemoto, Dane Smith, James Trujillo, 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?

As a lifelong resident, I understand and care deeply about our home. My goal is to protect our island and our unique lifestyle. I have worked for the County of Kauaʻi in Parks and Recreation for 17 years, I know the functions of each of our 16 departments and have worked closely with the departments to service residents in the communities I work in. I would like to do the same for all communities on Kauaʻi. My primary goal is to bring our community into each issue that affects them.

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?

Infrastructure on all fronts – repair to aging water and sewer systems are key issues that need to be addressed. We will be unable to tackle other key issues like housing without infrastructure. If elected, I will work in collaboration with our administration to lay the groundwork.

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

This is a complex and divisive issue. I acknowledge the efforts of the Kaua’i Humane Society and volunteers to trap and neuter cats, but we can’t overlook the health risks wild cat colonies pose to our environment and the devastation to native Hawaiian birds and other species. As an animal lover, I would listen to the experts on all sides first.

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?

The cost for conversion is dependent on the site location and can range from $20,000 to $50,000. This is a heavy financial burden and a hinderance to local property owners to building additional homes on Kuleana (Native Hawaiian) Lands. in 2024, Kauaʻi County offered grant funds to help homeowners. Expansion of similar grant funding will be key to meeting this mandate.

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?

Resolving infrastructure issues must be priority. Low housing inventory has contributed to sky rocketing housing prices. Kauaʻi County has taken steps to limit and tax Transient Vacation Rentals, but the shortage persists. Allowing local homeowners and even developers to have prioritized permitting and reduced fees to build ADU on existing property is one solution.

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?

Limit waste disposal by offering a residential recycling program.

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! Funds should be used to acquire land for housing development.

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

First, support agencies that are already doing this. They are the experts in this area, collaborate on what’s working and continue current funding and work towards expansion of funding.

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

The county in collaboration with our federal and state partners do good work in this area. Allowing the experts to advise us is what I would advocate for.

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?

Our county civil defense, Kauaʻi Emergency Management (KEMA) agencies have aggressively worked to identify weaknesses and mitigate them. They have actively included the community in the planning process. We have learned from past flooding and fire disasters and take an aggressive approach to evacuations. Residents must also heed warnings and be prepared to be self-reliant for a minimum of 14 days post-disaster.

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

Every neighborhood has unique challenges with regard to climate change. Residents who have lived their entire lives there should be the voices we hear from. This in conjunction with the experts and the existing Climate Adaptation and Adaption Plan the county has in place should be how we move forward. The key will be funding the initiatives to move the plan forward.

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

My primary goal will be to bring the community into each conversation that affects them. I will be a council member who listens first and acts decisively. Residents can count on me to be their voice at the table.