Aloha, dear friends!

Thank you for your interest in my campaign for a County Council seat.

Those of us who live on Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau live in one of the most beautiful and caring communities in the world. It is our kuleana (responsibility) to mālama (take care of) our Island community, protect the things that we love and create a good life for our families.

For years, it has been my privilege and passion to work with many of you. Together we’ve accomplished much, including public transportation (the Kaua'i Bus), the Sunshine Markets, County recycling and composting projects, an emergency communication system for police and fire, and the Film Commission. We’ve slowed growth, expanded open spaces and built affordable homes.

Whether you are a long-time or more recent resident, I hope we can work together to create a prosperous, beautiful, healthy and sustainable Kaua‘i—a legacy of aloha. I will work for:

• Jobs and a strong, diversified economy
• Expanded Kaua‘i bus services (Sunday service, longer hours, more often)
• Permanently affordable housing
• Energy & food self-sufficiency
• A “zero waste” solid waste system
• Expanded parks/programs & open space
• Quality land use planning that protects Kaua‘i’s beauty & resources
• A drug-free community
• Highest standards of government performance & service
• Public schools of excellence

Today, we face many challenges. The keys are leadership, working together, good planning and wise action. I humbly offer my experience, vision and commitment.

I would be honored by your vote. I also invite you to join our campaign for fun, fellowship and faithful stewardship of our island home.

Me ke aloha pumehana,

A privilege

Former Mayor and Councilmember JoAnn Yukimura signed out nomination papers for a seat on the council. Taking this action last Friday, she signaled her intention to run for the County Council in the primary and general elections that will be held this fall.

My heart has always been at the local level,” Yukimura said in a news release. “Over the years, I’ve been invited to run for lieutenant governor, the state House and Senate and even Congress, but I prefer the level closest to the people.

“What I love best is listening to concerns and working with others to address our problems and create new opportunities on Kaua‘i,” she said. “I also feel that the policies established at the county level are pivotal. It is our island plans for energy, land use, solid waste and drug prevention and how well we implement them at the local level that makes the biggest difference.

My Vision

My vision: a community living aloha, co-creating its future with love and unity.

My values: integrity, excellence, respect, compassion, humility, faith in community, good planning, inclusiveness, sustainability, continuous self-education & learning.

Guiding principles: aloha, it’s Kaua‘i’s spirit. “Ua mau ke ea o ka ‘āina i ka pono” (the life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness).

Mission: to help make Kaua‘i a sustainable, healthy, and prosperous island community living aloha.

Goals

• Planning: Support and work for a highly professional, visionary, effective and knowledgeable Planning Department that provides leadership and support to an island community committed to good planning.
• Energy: Advocate, legislate, and facilitate energy conservation and the production of affordable, efficient, clean and renewable energy.
• Affordable Housing: Adopt a well researched and structured affordable housing inclusionary zoning law which ensures, over time, an inventory of housing that is sturdy, attractive, energy efficient and permanently affordable.
• Traffic/Transportation: Work with community, County and DOT to develop a multi-modal land transportation plan that will provide sustainable, affordable, effective and convenient mobility for the people of Kaua`i.
• Public Education: Work for schools of excellence, a strong foundation for our community
• Solid Waste: Monitor and contribute to the ongoing update of the County’s Solid Waste Management Plan to ensure a sustainable and environmentally and fiscally sound plan.
• Sustainability: Vigorously promote Sustainability Education and the application of sustainability principles in all aspects of life on Kaua`i.