“Why I support Mel Rapozo…
Shelly Kaui Carvalho - Eleele, Kauai
“We proudly stand behind Mel Rapozo as a candidate for Mayor of Kaua‘i in the 2026 election. Mel is a proven leader with a deep love for our island communities of Ni‘ihau and Kaua‘i. His unwavering dedication to the people and his forward-thinking vision make him the leader we need at this critical time.
Mel is not afraid of change—he embraces it. He is a strong advocate for progress, a great listener who truly values the voices of our people, and a leader who actively seeks out resources to improve our island home. Whether it's advocating for much-needed improvements to our State Highways, pushing for infrastructure development, or championing affordable housing and workforce opportunities, Mel has consistently shown his commitment to building a stronger future.
His vision is one that prioritizes sustainability, local empowerment, and creating the conditions for our keiki and mo‘opuna to return home and thrive. Mel Rapozo understands the unique challenges our island faces and has always put the needs of the community first.
His passion and commitment to Ni‘ihau and Kaua‘i cannot be ignored. For these reasons and more, we proudly and wholeheartedly pledge our support to Mel Rapozo for Mayor.
We need change, Vote Mel Rapozo for Mayor.”
Jean Lida - Community Leader
“I’ve known Mel Rapozo for a long time. I feel he is the best person to be our next Mayor. He is a hard worker and will get the job done.”
Tom Shigemoto - Former County Planning Director
“For as long as I’ve known Mel, he’s always had the well being for all of the people of Kaua’i at heart! He’s proven as the Council Chair, that he does not want us to have to pay more taxes, ensures that the County provides all services efficiently and has championed programs that support our youth, kupuna, affordable housing and our safety. He is also a man of his convictions and has shown to make the right decision, not the popular one. This is the kind of leadership we need!”
Josh Burton - President, W of Kauai
“I’ve had the privilege of knowing Mel for 20 years, ever since we crossed paths through the Kaua'i Pop Warner Football League (KPWFL). Throughout this time, Mel has been an unwavering advocate for youth sports on Kaua'i. I’ve seen firsthand his dedication, not just with Pop Warner, but also through his work with the Kauai Police Activities League (K-PAL) & the Kaua'i Interscholastic Federation (KIF).
Over the years, Mel has taken on key local roles within the KPWFL, including serving as the Regional Director at the Western Conference level. Mel has been a steadfast supporter of many youth organizations including our own youth sports non-profit, consistently giving his time and energy to bettering the community.
Beyond sports, Mel’s commitment to Kaua'i and Ni'ihau is equally impressive. He is a tireless advocate for the people of these islands, speaking up for their needs and always striving to make a positive impact. His dedication to the community is not just in the past, but will undoubtedly continue in the years ahead.
One of Mel's most passionate causes is ensuring that locals can afford to live in Hawaii. He is deeply invested in finding solutions to the growing challenge of rising living costs, so that people don’t have to leave their home for a place they can afford.”
Yvonne Hosaka
For as long as I’ve known Mel, both professionally and personally, for the past 25+ years, I’ve admired his interpersonal skills of effective communication, his capability to articulate a vision clearly while actively listening and fostering strong connections. He motivates and empowers people, which in my opinion are crucial for leaders to engage and support their cohorts and, most importantly, our communities here on Kauai & Ni’ihau.
I’ve served on a non-profit board with Mel and have experienced and was inspired by his core character traits during our time on this board, which include acts of integrity, humility, and passion. It takes courage to make tough decisions, have difficult conversations, and take calculated risks, and because Mel is driven by his genuine enthusiasm for our island, I believe his commitment to Kauai, his vision, and passion will benefit the island of Kauai & Ni’ihau as a whole. He has the capacity to enable and inspire people and would be a great asset as Mayor of Kauai & Ni’ihau.
Mel’s ability, adaptability, and critical thinking are vital for leaders to navigate through challenges and drive our communities, our island, toward success.
Join me in supporting Mel Rapozo as Mayor!
King Kimura - Kilauea, Kauai
“Braddah Mel Rapozo gives us hope. His professionalism and expediency in getting things accomplished have exceeded expectations. His humble mantra of caring and doing, in any given situation, makes me extremely confident our island home is in good hands.
Like us, he comes from humble beginnings, so he knows and understands our daily struggles to live here, our high cost of living, and housing crisis.
We truly need a strong leader, someone who has a good heart and is tenacious when he needs to be.
I would kindly ask all of you to please kokua in supporting this amazing human being for Mayor of Kaua'i.”
Muriah Moises - Wailua, Kauai
“I’m proud to support Mel Rapozo for mayor because he has always put our community first. His years of public service have shown that he listens, asks the tough questions, and makes decisions with honesty and accountability. I believe Mel has the leadership and integrity we need to move Kauaʻi forward while protecting the values that make our island so special.”