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 Dane Smith, 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., Umi Martin, John Mattos, John Montemayor, Nelson Mukai, Yelena Okhman, Todd Ozaki, Michael Poai, Cheree Rapozo, Rachel M. Secretario, Taylor H. Shigemoto, 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?

Most candidates agree on Kauaʻi’s challenges. The real question is who can deliver solutions. I manage a workforce housing project and work daily on the permitting, funding, infrastructure and community challenges behind housing. At The Hanalei Initiative, I work alongside a team tackling visitor management, transportation and wastewater issues. After 25 years in public safety, retiring as a fire captain, I know how to make difficult decisions under pressure and turn plans into action.

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?

Housing remains Kauaʻi’s biggest challenge, but it’s not just a supply problem. We must help local families stay housed while removing barriers to new housing. In my first six months, I’d pursue increasing the homeowner’s exemption, and better aligning county funding with infrastructure needed for housing. Too often, housing and infrastructure are treated separately when they’re the same challenge. We need funding that can move projects forward, not sit in silos.

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

Feral cat colonies harm native wildlife and are not a sustainable long-term solution. Before committing additional resources, I want a clear understanding of what is currently being spent, whether those efforts are reducing colony populations, and what it would take to achieve meaningful results. We should pursue humane, evidence-based strategies aimed at ultimately eliminating feral colonies while protecting native species and responsibly using taxpayer resources.

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?

Cesspools threaten water quality and public health, but current incentives haven’t produced enough conversions because costs remain too high for many homeowners. We should prioritize the highest-risk cesspools using factors such as proximity to waterways, directing larger incentives toward those properties. If resources are focused on the greatest threats first, lower-risk properties may warrant more flexibility in conversion timelines while continuing sewer expansion where feasible.

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?

The county has done commendable work increasing housing supply, and we should continue building more homes. But housing isn’t just about new construction, it’s also about helping local families stay housed. I’d increase homeowner tax relief and create stronger incentives for landlords who keep rents affordable for residents, funded through targeted tax adjustments on high-end investor properties that place added pressure on our housing market.

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?

Kauaʻi will need additional landfill capacity, but the bigger challenge is that we’ve built a system where waste disappears from view once it leaves our curb. Hidden consequences weaken accountability. Beyond expanding capacity, we should evaluate new technologies, strengthen resource recovery, and explore policies that favor materials with proven local recycling value. The goal isn’t simply finding more room for trash, it’s creating less of it in the first place.

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. I support widening the distinction between resident and investment-use properties, and I believe we should continue exploring that approach. Kauaʻi’s housing crisis is not only a supply problem; it is also a demand problem driven by outside wealth competing in a limited housing market. Property taxes are one of the county’s strongest tools to reward residency, support long-term housing, and reduce pressure from speculative and investment-oriented ownership.

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 production is an economic, housing and resilience issue. We need to reduce barriers for farmers, invest in agricultural infrastructure, support workforce housing and create more opportunities for local producers to compete in local markets. Both small and large farms have important roles to play. A stronger local food system improves food security, strengthens our economy and better prepares Kauaʻi for future disruptions and disasters.

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

Invasive species threaten Kauaʻi’s environment, agriculture and quality of life. From coconut rhinoceros beetles to little fire ants and coqui frogs, prevention can be far less costly than long-term control. I am not an invasive species expert, but I know the county’s role is to listen to those experts, support effective programs, direct funding toward the highest-priority threats and hold administration accountable for results before these species become permanent problems.

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 ʻIniki or Kona low system? Why or why not? What additional steps should the county take?

Growing up on the North Shore and spending 25 years with the Kauaʻi Fire Department gave me an intimate understanding of both the island’s strengths and vulnerabilities. Communities like Hanalei, Wainiha and Hāʻena know what it means to be isolated when roads fail. Kauaʻi is more resilient today than in the past, but we must continue strengthening infrastructure, communications, evacuation planning and community preparedness. Resilience is built before disasters occur, not during them.

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

After 25 years in emergency response, I’ve learned that the cheapest emergency is the one that never happens. Climate change should be part of every major decision involving housing, infrastructure, water and agriculture. The county can’t prevent every future challenge, but we can stop building tomorrow’s vulnerabilities into today’s projects.

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

As a political outsider who spent 25 years inside the county system, I know government works best when people can see how decisions are made and whether results are being delivered. Residents shouldn’t need insider knowledge to understand what’s happening with a project or permit. Accountability means setting clear goals, measuring progress, and being honest about setbacks. Public trust grows when government is willing to show its work.