Here's a scoop: Rep. Derek Kawakami is strongly considering a run for Kauai County Council.
Since he's a shoo-in for Council, this would perfectly position Derek for a 2018 mayoral run. It would also put the re-election of certain low-ranking Councilmembers in doubt, while opening the race for his House seat to folks who might otherwise have been entertaining a Council run.
Suddenly, things are getting interesting. [Note: This post was revised to reflect that his decision is not yet definite.]
Since he's a shoo-in for Council, this would perfectly position Derek for a 2018 mayoral run. It would also put the re-election of certain low-ranking Councilmembers in doubt, while opening the race for his House seat to folks who might otherwise have been entertaining a Council run.
Suddenly, things are getting interesting. [Note: This post was revised to reflect that his decision is not yet definite.]
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74 comments:
Dylan Hooser is a perfect fit for Derick's seat. Derick will bounce out JoAnn or Da Hoos, a good thing.
As far as his being Mayor and Mel being his Admin Asst, it all depends on how the Marijuana Dispensary process is conducted. Weed will be legalized in Hawaii within 5 years, all the big shots know it. And there will be billions involved.
Whoever gets the Dispensary gets the legal weed stores.
Derick's Dad (as his righteous ancestors roll in their graves) applies for a license. A quick look at his partners and the incestuous relationship of power and money is astonishing. Somebody has got to look or tell who these partners are...politicians, real estate moguls, etc, all Kauai residents,
The amount of money involved in weed is astronomical. 1 million tourists, 10 percent smoke, 100,000 8 ounce cans of weed, 50 thousand pounds of Kauai Kolas at 400 an ounce is 320,000,000 (320 million) PER YEAR IE 50,000 pounds is 800,000 ounces at $400 per ounce
Who needs politics when you can get by with a little help from friends and family. Don't Bogart that Joint, pass it over to me. Maybe we can tax it at 50 percent and give every citizen a few thousand bucks.
Kawakami's didn't get the marijuana dispensary license?
DOH has not yet issued any licenses.
People are saying Kawakami's cannot get the permit because their land supposebly borders a school.
@ 8:10am Dylan a perfect fit? that is so hilarious....When he ran for District 15, he was at an event and was introducing himself to the crowd. He introduced himself to this one individual, and the person responded, "I know who you are, I'm Jimmy Tokioka." Now that is funny!!!
Derek is no different than Hooser. They both convinced the people of Kauai to elect them to serve at the State Legislature. They both decide to leave the State Legislature for personal gain. Derek wants to be Mayor. Rather than build seniority and continuity at the State Legislature, which is so important nowadays, they leave in the midst of turbulent times to pursue a personal agenda.
Maybe Mel will run for Derek's seat. Maybe Jay will. Maybe even Nadine. All that means is that Kauai will have to start over at the capitol.
The Mayor's race in 2018 will be very interesting. I hope people will have learned from the last 8 years that Kauai doesn't need a nice, friendly face to run the County. I hope Mel decides to run in 2018. Who knows, we may have a County Manager system by then. If that happens, all bets are off.
Tokioka is a convicted criminal and tried to scam The Campaign Spendind Commission and the voters during the last election. Read the entire attorney general report here if Joan will let you. http://www.hawaiifreepress.com/ArticlesMain/tabid/56/ID/16105/FULL-TEXT-Report-reveals-details-of-AG-investigation-of-Rep-James-Tokioka.aspx
Get these bitches out of office.
Kauai Mayor Carvalho calls for increase in general excise tax
HNN Staff
Mar 17, 2016 06:32 PM
LIHUE, KAUAI (HawaiiNewsNow) - For the second year in a row, Kauai County has produced a balanced budget without increasing property taxes.
But the mayor is pushing for an increase in the general excise tax to generate more revenue.
In his State of the County address Thursday morning, Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. revealed his $200 million spending plan for 2017.
To make up for a drop in hotel taxes, he's urging the council to approve a half-percent GET surcharge to raise $20 million per year.
"By taking advantage of this funding opportunity, we would be able to address the public's No. 1 priority as noted in surveys,namely improvements to our roads and bridges and the alleviation of traffic congestion," Carvalho said.
The mayor also wants to spend $800,000 to generate options for solid waste when the Kekaha Landfill closes in 2026.
He also plans to buy new equipment for county employees, and fund new homeless initiatives, and the Lihue Civic Center will be getting a new roof.
Someone really needs to take on Jimmy and I don't mean the Hooser kid. The guy is scamming the system.
The Kawakami's have been for personal gain all along. Look at the prices charged at Big Save stores before Costco came in. Any chance they were behind the Walmart super store block? The current mayor unfortunately is showing a lack of a backbone. Rather than put forth a fiscally responsible budget, he pushes for even MORE taxes. The working poor, the same ones that the Kawakami's profited from, are getting shafted by this mayor. Since those same working poor helped elect this mayor and Derek, maybe they deserve less in their pockets. Wait, Derek is just the man to carry out the pocket-emptying. Charles Kawakami will be laughing all the way to the banks. Yes, plural because he already filled up one or two with his Big Save / convenience store operations. Usher in the dispensary windfall soon to come...
This is good news, Rep. Kawakami would make an excellent Council Member and Mayor.
Has either Kawakami or Tokioka every actually accomplished anything in public office except pad their own retirement?
Derek would be a great mayor. 2018 can't come soon enough.
Derek is a fine person. He is a smart and caring politician who has Kauai's citizens at heart.
But if he is part of this Dope Ring made up of many of Kauai's most powerful and influential residents, the public should be made aware of who his partners are and how they receive the Doper Permits.
Just the facts, Ma'am, just the facts.
Re: 8:10 PM
Today's " The Garden Island" front page.
House: $141M for Kauai
Rep. Derek Kawakami, D-Kapaa, said the $141.4 million in projects will provide jobs for families, improvements to schools and infrastructure, and investments in The proposed budget appropriates $50 million for various rehabilitation and replacement projects on Kuhio Highway, $4.7 million for Kaumualii Highway improvements, and $4.3 million for guardrail and shoulder improvements on state highways.
It also appropriates $31 million for improvements at Lihue Airport and the restoration of the Ahukini landfill. For bus shelter construction, $1.5 million was appropriated last year, and it’s on the list again this year.
Kudos to the Kauai Legislative Team. Outstanding!
@6:38 AM
Your comment :
"Derek is a fine person. He is a smart and caring politician who has Kauai's citizens at heart. "
I am in agreement with you, but " the facts end there."
@ 8:10pm, of course u wouldn't know, u haven't lived on Kaua'i long enough
Derek has my vote for Council.
Full of crap watch then waste the funds.
The mayor has done his same speech every year and nothing has been done.
That 144 million is going to the big corrupt unions that get their slaves voted in office.
Only their people have gotten theirs with these two incompetents.
They've DONE nothing for Kauai at the STATE level.
Yadda Everyone knows the annual political game of "put money in the budget that never gets spent but I want to be able to tell people I did something". Most of these items were in last years budget and will be in next years budget as well. BFD Put something in the House budget then brag about it! Put something in the Senate budget and brag about that too! At the end of the day who knows whether either will make it into the real and final budget, or if it will ever make it to any reality at all. But issue a press release at every step so people think you are doing something. Derek has learned the game well. When are those yoyo's going to get the DOT going and fix the Kapaa traffic? That's when I know they are doing something.
No to Derek for mayor. A big No to Lenny Rapozo. Yes to Mel. Good riddance to Bernard in 2018. Enjoy your fat pension with Jay. Can't wait to see you both go. Gone!!!
Shaylene at 10:31 pm
Did Detek vote to raise these taxes? And why does Yukimura always wants to copy what the state is doing to rip off its taxes payers? Yes Yukimura wants to raise Kauai's vehicle weight tax, gas tax, registration fee, GE tax to fund another 150 million dollar bike path and a bus system that 99.9% of the people don't use.
Vehicle owners face increases to three separate fees under new bill
A Hawaii lawmaker says car owners could be hit with a triple-whammy as a bill currently under review in the state Legislature aims to increase three different fees: the vehicle registration fee, and vehicle weight and fuel fees.
If Senate Bill 2938 becomes law, owning a vehicle in Hawaii could cost even more as the state looks to collect $70 million more a year for the State Highway Fund.
Sen. Sam Slom, R, Hawaii Kai, Aina Haina, Kahala, has been the only senator to vote against efforts to raise the fees.
The Hawaii Department of Transportation says in 2015, the state collected $86.5 million through fuel fees, $75.9 million in vehicle weight fees and $44.4 million for vehicle registrations.
“At that amount, should our roads look better?” KHON2 asked Slom.
“I think we should have the best roads in the country instead of the worst. There’s no excuse for that,” he said.
Every year, you must register your vehicle, and that cost includes city and state fees. The DOT uses the money for a variety of things, including widening projects, maintenance and emergency repairs, like fixing Kamehameha Highway in Kaaawa after erosion damage, and repairs in the Wilson Tunnel on Likelike Highway.
Part of the money will also be used to help traffic, including re-timing traffic signals, allowing drivers to use more shoulder lanes, and adding traffic control to busy intersections.
Every year, drivers must also pay a weight tax for their vehicle per pound. The heavier the vehicle, the more you pay. So how much has been collected and why isn’t it enough?
The state says the needs of the highway system already outweigh current funding. The DOT says an increase in vehicle fees would go to the State Highway Fund, but Slom questions that.
“The fact of the matter is, motorists have paid through the nose over and over again and they watched money in that special fund being raided to be put in the general fund and used for other things,” he said.
Ron Kouchi vote to approve this blood sucking bill that they increased 2 years ago.
The state of Hawaii and Kauai are bankrupt and trying to find ways to out a bandaid on their negligent spending spree.
7:24
If Shaylene ran for Council she would be a shoe-in. She has lots of support.
The way Justin has been soft on crime and done nothing, shows that we did a mistake electing him PA.
There is no fear of being caught. He only prosecutes the easy ones, and those that he does prosecute get super good deals. The island is crawling with plea-bargained burglars.
He should go be a defense attorney, he does more for the defendants than their own attorneys. Real "get out of jail free" cards.
A very nice guy, but no lead in his pencil.
Shay for mayor, a sure win. She will eat Lenny Rapozo or Nadine Nakamura alive. Happy Days in the County. Never a dull moment with Shay.
Shay for Mayor then she would try an attack Oahu, Maui and the Big Island to unite Hawaii as one.
Medusa would be proud of her.
Shay for mayor because lawyers need work and she will create many jobs for them.
What you see is what you get...that is Shay. She will win if she runs for mayor.
Shay is too shayme to run for anything ever again.
Plenty Orange paraphernalia
Shay will win because people don't mind corrupt politicians.
The corrupts were hired by the mayor and are calling the shots in the county.
Derek has been rich and pampered his whole life, how can he sympathize with the middle class and poor locals? Easier to know how it is if you've actually been there, done that! Nice guy but do I trust that he's the savior that many of you claim to think he is, I highly doubt it. He'll be the same as Bernard is my prediction, less the entertainment value like singing, etc.
Can someone tell me what Derek has done while in any elected office?
11:56 -- He voted against the county's crappy TVR law, which removed inspection requirements and allowed TVRs on ag land.
vote bernabe., kagawa, kawakami, and whoever else new that will advocate for the citizens instead of double talking, double dealing incumbents, whose main job has been to represent special interests and friends who have done favors for them . What ever the mayor wants he gets; increase taxes and fees, of course; pour our tax money into more bike lanes and fancy landscaped sidewalks, OK no problem; lets raise the pay of county executives , for sure; yada, yada. yada. kick all of these self serving yes men out and take the mayor with them. They are a waste money . anybody is better than than the bull shitters in there now.
Mel, Kipukai - - are they now in bed with the mayor? This mayor acts like an emperor with no clothes. I will vote for candidates who are independent thinkers, visionaries and for the people.
9:35 -- I will vote for candidates who are independent thinkers, visionaries and for the people.
Then it looks like you'll be sitting this one out.
You are correct Ms. Joan. I will vote for you if you decide to run for the council.
Recall the mayor to spare us, the taxpayers, from miseries. His appointees need to go, or we are doomed.
Bernabe, Kagawa and Chang would be great examples of Kauai's and the state of Hawaii's educational failures.
Listening to these guys talk would teach your kids how not to speak.
9:35
kualii and rapozo have ALWAYS been in bed with the Mayor. So have all the others, except Kagawa. Checks and balances? Not on Kauai. Sickening !
9:35 Yukimura, Hooser, Chock in bed with the mayor? If so, I will vote only for Kagawa and fresh faces this election.
Kagawa? He will go where the votes are unless they are white transplants. His loyalty is first and foremost with us locals. And he will be the top vote getter again!
8:55
agree with U on Kagawa. He is the only one not in somebody's pocket.
3:08
if you vote based on language skills, your logic is flawed. The smooth talkers are the worst examples.
3:08 This is for you. Two of our college educated council persons are pushing for raises with no funding available. One is the Finance Committee chair, who of all people should know better. The reason? We need to keep the pay scale competitive so we get the best talent available. How many times have we heard this unsupported reasoning starting with the Salary commission who march to the Mayor's command. Have we really attracted and hired the "best talent" available? Go down the list of department leadership eligible for the derailed raises and stay with a straight face; yes we have the best available talent and you'll get the point. According to the GI, Kagawa again, is the leading voice speaking against another foolish (expensive and poorly justified) proposal .
Attracting the best talents for County jobs by paying them in the hundred thousands of our monies? Who are we kidding? 'Nuff of BS.
We have no top of the line executives in municipal government. The only qualifications needed to get one of those jobs is to be the Mayor's family, campaign manager or friend. Only the best for Kauai.
8:50 pm. You are absolutely correct. Only family and friends, ie.a married couple as department heads but of course they were the campaign managers of B.C.
Hiring the best? Its a joke, catch on? These duds should be getting a pay CUT. Lead by example, BC.
We only have ourselves to blame for electing BC. Put up or shut up.
10:03
You're way off.. The Mayor only got elected because no one worth a shit ran against him either time. . Had someone decent run, he would've been dumped years ago. Yes, the people voted him in, only because the competition was worse than he was. Don't blame the voters for this guy's power trip, spendthrift ways, nepotism, vindictiveness, backroom deals and more. Wonder why hiring a city manager is such a hot topic? It ain't because the Mayor is doing a good job.
10:03
You're way off.. The Mayor only got elected because no one worth a shit ran against him either time. . Had someone decent run, he would've been dumped years ago. Yes, the people voted him in, only because the competition was worse than he was. Don't blame the voters for this guy's power trip, spendthrift ways, nepotism, vindictiveness, backroom deals and more. Wonder why hiring a city manager is such a hot topic? It ain't because the Mayor is doing a good job.
11:23 buyer's remorse. City manager is a waste of money. The mayor or his managing director is the city manager, if only they do their job, or at least know how to do the job.
this da problemo. Clueless.
In 2008, choices were Mel Rapozo, Joanne Yukimura and Bernard Carvalho. Totally a popularity contest.
derek kawakami, 10:03
Between Lenny Rapozo and Derek Kawakami, the latter is the better choice. Anyone but Lenny, the mayor's annointed and who will continue his dysfunctional administration.
We the voters are now wiser than 6 years ago.
This reader is tired of the city manager concept. No one seems happy with the council either, so why would it be a better system if the unloved council got to appoint the mayor? At least with the system the way it is, there are checks and balances, no system is perfect, but BC has done a decent job considering the problems Kauai faces. It is a difficult job, and the Mayor has a managing director, we don't need the council to be in charge of everything, it's not like they are such a great group who gets things done, unless you consider the barking dogs to be the biggest issue here.
and both JoAnn and Mel ran against the Mayor, 2 strong candidates, now if they could have worked together to decide which of them should have run, it might have resulted in a win, but they split the anti Bernard vote, giving him a win.
No need a county manager. The mayor is the CEO. My concern is, does he know the duties and responsibilities of a mayor? It appears he has no clue, or else why the clamor for a county manager?
8:29am had it been between Mel vs Bernard in the general, the former would have won. JoAnn was the spoiler. We are now paying for it.
lenny needs to run. otherwise he and wifey will be in the unemployment line together with a bunch of other mayoral appointed duds. The few worthy individuals are leaving the service one by one cuz they don't want to be in the bread line with parks and human resources. 8:29 and 2:27 opine the mayor is our CEO so no need a city manager; the other guy sez Bernard has done a decent job considering the problems Kauai faces. You guys are way off. Don't know how you evaluate Bernard but a CEO he is not. Over 10 years in office and what to show for it besides Mr Aloha greeting new hires, fund raising walks,, attending community events (sing a song), tried to derail enforcement against zoning violations pushing for raises for his "boys and girls", paying back political markers with favors and tax dollars, pushing for for bike lanes, walkable streets and narrower roads while repairs to County infrastructure languish. If he can dodge the ball to 2018, all the stuff he was supposed to do for islanders will be passed (the buck) to the next mayor. Whomever that person is, one quality he/she has to have is a strong back. Otherwise, the weight of Bernard's undones will be a backbreaker.
10:36pm you have a terrific insight. I can't wait to see Lenny and wifey in the unemployment line with me, lol! Feel sorry for whoever will be the next mayor to fix Bernard Carvalho's messy legacy. Ouch!
The Mayor won three elections, so that's pretty good. City manager is only a hot topic because for some godawful unknown reason the Council keeps giving credence to the holy trinity of myopic doddery known as Taylor, Mickens and Rosa.
Janine Rapozo actually does a damn good job as HR manager. She's smart and hard working.
So you're saying that a lot of Mel voters went for JoAnn instead? Maybe you're new here but that's pretty damn unlikely.
There was no anti-Bernard vote. Mel and JoAnn were both elected officials with long histories at that point but Bernard, although well-known, was new to elective politics. Bernard benefited from anti-Mel and anti-JoAnn votes, not the other way around.
9:23pm, I've lived here more than 40 years. I was saying that Mel had a better chance than JoAnn in the general election had it been Mel and Bernard. Mel was only a 3rd placer in the primary. The first two highest vote-getters moved up to the general. It was Bernard and JoAnn, the latter was already a mayor and had the Iniki baggage as an issue.
Two more years with Bernard Carvalho is a long wait. Let's be vigilant who he will hire and promote these two years of this clueless mayor-entertainer. Good luck to us all.
Indeed 2 more years of Carvalho is a long wait. Use the time to see what the lame duck is up to. Friends and family will be rewarded with positions and money. Close friends in appointed positions will have civil service jobs given to them insuring a high paying job forever. Unpaid markers political. and personal will be settled at public expense. A quiet program is in place to punish enemies of the regime. Game of Thrones happening right here on Kauai
9:54
let's see who replaces Nadine. the jockeying is underway already. a bunch of names on the grapevine. all have markers for collection. looking for bigger paydays and fatter retirements. enney, meeny, miney, mo. elections coming as rats emerge from the sewer.
Where is Nadine going? Not yet time for mayoral election.
2:43
you gotta be kidding.
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