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 Umi Martin, nonpartisan candidate for Kauaʻi County Council.

His opponents are Paul Noboru Applegate, Addison Bulosan, Trysten Fernandes Caberto, Mike Coots, Michelle Kaleiohi Correa, Billy DeCosta, Jeremy Haupt, Fern Ānuenue Holland, Keola Kaiminaauao, Arryl Kaneshiro, James Langtad, Thomas Lindsay Jr., 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?

Born and raised on Kauaʻi, I am a farmer, small business owner, husband and father committed to our island’s future. I operate a tropical fruit farm in Kekaha and Umi’s Store in Waimea. I serve on the boards of the West Kauaʻi Soil and Water Conservation District, Garden Island RC&D, Hawaiʻi Tropical Fruit Growers and the National Mango Board. I am running for County Council to preserve our way of life and build a strong future for our keiki.

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. It affects housing, infrastructure, economic opportunity, homelessness and many other challenges facing local families. Within my first six months, I would focus on the county budget, which is the council’s most effective tool for setting priorities. I would support investments in housing, infrastructure and homeless services while ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly and effectively.

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

Feral cats threaten native and migratory birds and can spread diseases that affect wildlife, including Hawaiian monk seals. The county supports management efforts through the Humane Society and nonprofit partners like the Kauaʻi Community Cat Project. Addressing this issue will require continued trapping, spay and neuter programs, public education and collaboration among county, state, federal, nonprofit and private partners to reduce feral cat populations and protect 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?

The county’s cesspool conversion grants helped homeowners offset the high cost of converting to septic systems, and we should continue supporting those efforts. However, septic systems are only a partial solution and can still impact groundwater and nearshore waters. We should continue exploring new wastewater technologies, including modular treatment systems for rural communities, while protecting our land, water and ocean for future generations.

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 is one of Kauaʻi’s biggest challenges. We need to continue investing in both affordable and workforce housing for families who earn too much to qualify for low-income programs but cannot afford market prices. Tools such as dedicated housing funds, leasehold housing, and deed restrictions can help keep homes affordable for local residents. If we want future generations to stay on Kauaʻi, we must make homeownership more attainable.

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?

Because a replacement landfill is still years away, expanding the existing landfill in Kekaha is the only practical short-term option. Long term, we must reduce the amount of waste entering our landfill through recycling, resource recovery and better waste diversion programs. We also need solutions for emerging challenges such as lithium-ion batteries. Our goal should be to reduce waste, increase recycling and extend the life of our landfill for future generations.

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?

I support this approach. Kauaʻi residents who live, work and raise their families here are being priced out of the housing market, forcing many to leave the island. The county must adopt policies that keep local families here, including a stronger distinction between owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied properties to generate revenue for affordable and workforce housing. We must ensure future generations can continue to live and thrive on Kauaʻi.

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

I have been farming on Kauaʻi for nearly 20 years and bring firsthand agricultural experience to the County Council. The biggest challenge in rebuilding agriculture is not land, but experienced farmers, since farming takes years of learning, investment, and trial and error. We must support farmers at all stages and continue programs like the Kauaʻi Innovation Grant and Farm Expansion Grant, while investing in infrastructure, water and workforce development to strengthen local food production.

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

We have been largely reactive to invasive species, and by the time threats are recognized it is often too late. The coconut rhinoceros beetle is a clear example, now affecting palms and crops statewide. As a farmer, I see how invasives threaten agriculture and food security. We must shift from reaction to prevention through stronger biosecurity, more inspectors, better quarantine at airports and harbors, public education, and stronger partnerships to detect and respond early.

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?

I do not believe Kauaʻi is fully prepared for the next Hurricane ʻIniki or major storm. It has been over 30 years since ʻIniki, and many residents have never experienced a major hurricane. Our most vulnerable are elderly residents, who often have limited mobility, resources, and support during emergencies. We must support Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency while investing in resilient infrastructure, shelters, backup communications and better coordination to protect vulnerable populations.

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

Awareness, planning and coordination are critical if Kauaʻi is going to get ahead of climate change rather than react to it. Climate change is increasing risks from sea level rise, flooding, drought, extreme weather and wildfires, so these must be built into long-term planning and infrastructure decisions. The county’s Climate Adaptation and Action Plan provides a roadmap, but the key now is implementation. We must integrate climate resilience into planning, infrastructure and emergency preparedness.

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

Transparency and accountability begin with accessibility. Community engagement is a core responsibility of a county councilman, and residents deserve officials who are available, responsive and willing to listen. I will be accessible through phone calls, emails, community meetings and one-on-one conversations. Too often, residents hear about decisions after they are made. I will work to improve early public involvement, communicate openly and be accountable for my votes and decisions