Kauai council chair announces run for mayor.

LIHUE (HawaiiNewsNow) - Kauai’s mayoral race is heating up as the county council chair announces his candidacy.

Council Chair Mel Rapozo officially announced that he will run to be Kauai’s next mayor in the 2026 election, Thursday evening.

“This is a decision rooted in my lifelong commitment to serve the people of Kauai and Niihau,” Rapozo said. “Our island deserves strong, experienced leadership, and I am ready to be your mayor.”

In May, Rapozo launched an exploratory committee for a potential mayoral campaign. The decision to run comes after months of community engagement and internal evaluation, which included a countywide poll that claimed he had a commanding lead over potential candidates.

Rapozo has served in multiple terms on the Kauai County Council and has advocated for public safety, responsible development, affordable housing, and preserving Kauai’s resilience, sustainable lifestyles, and cultural values.

He is also a retired Hawaii Air National Guard member and a former Kauai Police Officer.

“I’m running to ensure that government works for everyone, not just the few, and that our island stays a place where local families can thrive,” he added.

Rapozo’s campaign said they will launch with a series of community events over the coming weeks that will gather input and share his vision for Kauai’s future.

He last ran for mayor in 2018 and lost to Derek Kawakami, who is terming out.

Rapozo will be facing Bernard Carvalho, who made his announcement in May.