Mel Rapozo's 7-Point Vision for Kauaʻi
Kauaʻi deserves a County government that listens, responds, and delivers results.
For nearly two decades on the Kauaʻi County Council, I have worked with four different administrations, gaining firsthand experience in solving complex challenges and understanding how county government works. That experience has prepared me to lead on Day One.
As Mayor, my focus will be simple: provide responsive government, strengthen our communities, invest in critical infrastructure, and improve the quality of life for every resident.
This is my 7-Point Vision for Action—a practical roadmap for moving Kauaʻi forward.
1. Responsive Government That Works for You
Our Goal
Make County government easier to reach, faster to respond, and fully accountable.
My Plan
✔ Create a One-Stop County Service Center for citizen requests.
✔ Track every request from start to completion.
✔ Improve communication between departments.
✔ Hold departments accountable for timely responses.
✔ Publish regular performance reports so residents can see how their government is performing.
The Result
Residents will spend less time navigating government and more time getting answers and solutions.
2. A Renewed Commitment to Public Service
Our Goal
Restore a culture of professionalism, respect, and exceptional customer service throughout County government.
My Plan
✔ Launch a countywide commitment to outstanding public service.
✔ Lead by example with accountability beginning in the Mayor's Office.
✔ Empower employees to solve problems efficiently.
✔ Foster teamwork across all departments.
The Result
Every resident should feel respected, valued, and well served whenever they interact with their County government.
3. Bringing County Government Closer to Our Communities
Our Goal
Provide convenient County services throughout the island.
My Plan
✔ Evaluate expanding DMV and other County services to West Kauaʻi.
✔ Explore additional service opportunities in Kapaʻa.
✔ Reduce unnecessary travel to Līhuʻe whenever practical.
✔ Improve access to government services for residents islandwide.
The Result
More convenient services, less travel, and more time and money saved for residents.
4. Building the Infrastructure Kauaʻi Needs
Strong infrastructure is the foundation for housing, public safety, economic opportunity, and quality of life.
Wastewater
✔ Modernize wastewater facilities.
✔ Address deferred maintenance.
✔ Continue expanding the successful Septic Conversion Program.
✔ Develop a long-term islandwide wastewater strategy.
Solid Waste
✔ Move forward with planning for a new landfill.
✔ Expand recycling and materials recovery.
✔ Update the Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan.
✔ Evaluate phased curbside recycling opportunities.
Transportation & Public Safety
✔ Improve emergency access routes.
✔ Invest in safer roads.
✔ Expand Complete Streets infrastructure.
✔ Support increased Kauaʻi Bus ridership.
The Result
Safer communities, stronger infrastructure, and better preparation for future growth.
5. Strengthening Our Quality of Life
Housing
✔ Support workforce and attainable housing.
✔ Encourage responsible housing development.
✔ Work collaboratively with nonprofit organizations and community partners.
Homelessness
✔ Expand coordinated outreach.
✔ Support treatment and transitional housing.
✔ Build partnerships that help individuals move toward long-term stability.
Mental Health & Substance Abuse
✔ Support opening an adolescent residential treatment center.
✔ Strengthen partnerships with the State and community organizations.
✔ Expand prevention, treatment, and recovery resources.
Food Security & Disaster Preparedness
✔ Establish an Agriculture, Food & Environment Division.
✔ Promote local food production.
✔ Expand composting initiatives.
✔ Help neighborhoods become more self-sufficient and disaster ready.
The Result
Healthier families, stronger neighborhoods, and a more resilient Kauaʻi.
6. Smarter Government Through Better Organization
Our Goal
Improve coordination by organizing County services around the needs of our communities.
My Plan
Evaluate creating a Community Assistance Department that brings together related community-focused services, including:
✔ Agriculture, Food & Environment
✔ Community Assistance & Economic Development
✔ Kauaʻi Housing Agency
✔ Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency
✔ Public Transportation (Kauaʻi Bus)
The Result
Better coordination, greater efficiency, and improved service delivery for residents.
7. Lowering the Cost of Living and Protecting Our Quality of Life
No Mayor can control inflation or set the price of groceries or gasoline. However, County government can make life more affordable by removing barriers, improving services, and making smart investments.
My Plan
✔ Expand convenient County services closer to where people live.
✔ Improve transportation options.
✔ Open additional emergency access routes that also improve mobility.
✔ Promote available property tax exemption programs.
✔ Support local agriculture and economic opportunity.
✔ Look for practical ways County government can reduce costs for residents.
The Result
A more affordable Kauaʻi where families can thrive while preserving the island lifestyle we all value.