Kauai County Sample Ballot & Voter Guide 2026
22 candidates are on the November 3, 2026 ballot across 6 Kauai County races, led by the Kauai County Mayor contest.
County offices
Council (seven at-large seats)Nonpartisan race · Arryl Kaneshiro · Fern Anuenue Holland · Todd Ozaki · Michelle Kaleiohi Correa · Addison Bulosan · Taylor Shigemoto · Paul Applegate · Billy DeCosta
Arryl Kaneshiro, Fern Anuenue Holland, Todd Ozaki, Michelle Kaleiohi Correa, Addison Bulosan, Taylor Shigemoto, Paul Applegate and Billy DeCosta and 6 more are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Kauai County Council (seven at-large seats).
Arryl Kaneshiro
Top priorities
- Perpetuating Kauai's values and a thriving economy
Per the campaign site.
About Arryl Kaneshiro
Arryl Kaneshiro is the sitting county councilmember and one of only three incumbents seeking re-election, per Kauai Now.
Fern Anuenue Holland
Top priorities
- Affordability, including funding for the Housing Agency and property tax policy that helps local families stay on Kauai
- A "Restoration Economy" combining ecosystem restoration jobs, agriculture and small business development
- Strengthening emergency communications, wildfire and flood resilience, and shelter capacity
Per the Honolulu Civil Beat candidate Q&A.
About Fern Anuenue Holland
Fern Anuenue Holland is the sitting county councilmember seeking re-election; Kapaa-raised community organizer with a background in environmental and agricultural advocacy, per Kauai Now. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026.
Todd Ozaki
Top priorities
- Putting local families first
- Roads and infrastructure
- Creating trust with residents
Per the Kauai Now.
About Todd Ozaki
Todd Ozaki is running for Kauai County Council; he describes himself as a husband and father, youth coach and small business owner currently serving in the Mayor's Office, per the campaign site.
Michelle Kaleiohi Correa
Top priorities
- Strengthening the fight against drugs
- Diversified agriculture and practical housing solutions
- Traffic, transportation and compassionate homelessness response
Per the Kauai Now.
About Michelle Kaleiohi Correa
Michelle Kaleiohi Correa is a candidate for the Kauai County Council who has worked for the county's Parks and Recreation department for 17 years, per her Honolulu Civil Beat candidate Q&A. Michelle Kaleiohi Correa appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Kauai County Council (seven at-large seats), per the county elections office's certified candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026.
Addison Bulosan
Top priorities
- Streamline permitting and support ADUs, tiny homes and town-core redevelopment
- County procurement supporting locally owned businesses
- Zero waste, renewable energy and the county Climate Action Plan
Per the campaign site.
About Addison Bulosan
Bulosan is an entrepreneur, community organizer and current Kauai and Niʻihau councilmember chairing the council's Planning Committee, per the campaign site. Born and raised on Kauai, Bulosan has organized with the Hawaii Foodbank Kauai and the Rice Street Business Association, per the campaign site.
Taylor Shigemoto
Top priorities
- Housing availability, affordability and houselessness
- The Kekaha Landfill's limited remaining lifespan and siting an alternative
- Roads, sewer, parks and job creation
Per the campaign site.
About Taylor Shigemoto
Shigemoto works in banking and credit unions and has a background in coaching, per the campaign site. Born and raised on Kauai and a graduate of Kauai High School, Shigemoto serves as a financial literacy instructor for high school seniors and a bodybuilding coach, per the campaign site.
Paul Applegate
Top priorities
- Affordable and workforce housing through well-planned development
- Self-sufficient agriculture to strengthen food security
- Public safety, emergency preparedness and modern sewer and solid-waste systems
Per the campaign site.
About Paul Applegate
Applegate is a U.S. Army Reserve veteran and retired Kauai Police Department captain with more than 25 years of service, including 14 years in command roles, per the campaign site. A graduate of the FBI National Academy and former school resource officer, Applegate is running for Kauai and Niʻihau County Council, per the campaign site.
Billy DeCosta
Top priorities
- Expanding opportunities for the next generation
- Ensuring Kauai families can work, live and thrive on island
Per the Kauai Now.
About Billy DeCosta
Billy DeCosta is a former county councilmember and former high school teacher, per Kauai Now. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026.
Dane Smith
Top priorities
- Affordable housing and supporting infrastructure
- Traffic solutions, including the East Kauai Mobility Hub project
- Managing visitor impact, building on the Haena State Park access model
Per the campaign site.
About Dane Smith
Smith is a recently retired Kauai Fire Captain with 25 years of service who now works as a project manager on the Hanalei Initiative's affordable housing development, per the campaign site. A lifelong Kauai resident, Smith is running for Kauai County Council, per the campaign site.
Mike Coots
Top priorities
- Push for a housing emergency declaration; tiny homes and pre-approved package homes on ag land
- Solve the Kekaha landfill crisis via reclamation and countywide curbside recycling
- A tourism carrying-capacity study and an adolescent drug treatment center on island
Per the campaign site.
About Mike Coots
Coots is a small-business owner running a photography business on Kauai's North Shore, per the campaign site. Born and raised on Kauai and a Kapaa High graduate, Coots is known for ocean conservation and shark-protection advocacy and is running for Kauai County Council, per the campaign site.
Umi Martin
Top priorities
- Housing affordability and workforce housing for local families
- Recycling expansion and long-term landfill planning
- Cesspool-to-sewer conversion with manageable costs for residents
Per the campaign site.
About Umi Martin
Martin is a farmer and small business owner who co-founded Umi's Store in Waimea and has worked as a youth counselor, poi mill worker, substitute teacher and canoe paddling coach, per the campaign site. Born and raised in Kekaha on Kauai's Westside, Martin is running for Kauai County Council, per the campaign site.
Cheree Rapozo
Top priorities
- Healthcare, mental health and social service resources
- Responsible budgeting
- Protecting productive agricultural lands
Per the Kauai Now.
About Cheree Rapozo
Cheree Rapozo is a candidate for the Kauai County Council who works as a real estate agent, per press coverage of her campaign. Cheree Rapozo appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Kauai County Council (seven at-large seats), per the county elections office's certified candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026.
Keola Kaiminaauao
Top priorities
- A six-month action plan to address the shortage of affordable housing for working families
- Supporting local food production so more locally grown food reaches family tables
- Stronger biosecurity, cesspool conversion assistance and reducing waste at the Kekaha landfill
Per the Honolulu Civil Beat candidate Q&A.
About Keola Kaiminaauao
Kaiminaauao is a native Kauai resident and father, stepfather and grandfather who says he works to ensure every voice in his community is heard and valued, per the campaign site.
John Mattos
Top priorities
- Financial literacy for residents
- Incentives for farmers
- Responsible leadership
Per the Kauai Now.
About John Mattos
U.S. Navy veteran and former firefighter and EMT at the Pacific Missile Range Facility, per Kauai Now; he has pledged to give half his council salary to a local community organization if elected. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026.
The top 14 of 26 primary candidates advance to November 3, where the top seven vote-getters win the seven at-large seats, per Kauai Now and the Hawaii Office of Elections' official results. Listed in primary vote order; John Mattos took the 14th and final advancing position. The county prosecuting attorney is appointed on Kauai, not elected.
Full race pageCities and towns
MayorNonpartisan race · Mel Rapozo · Bernard Carvalho, Jr.
Mel Rapozo and Bernard Carvalho, Jr. are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Kauai County Mayor.
Mel Rapozo
Top priorities
- Expand housing opportunities and improve infrastructure
- Public safety and homelessness solutions combining compassion with accountability
- Transparency, fiscal responsibility and measurable results
Per the campaign site.
About Mel Rapozo
Rapozo spent 13 years with the Kauai Police Department, more than 20 years in the Hawaii Air National Guard, and 18 years on the Kauai County Council, including multiple terms as council chair, per the campaign site. Born and raised on Kauai and now a Wailua resident, Rapozo is running for Mayor of Kauai County, per the campaign site.
Bernard Carvalho, Jr.
Top priorities
- Keeping Kauai families home
- Responsible management
- Creating resilient communities
Per Kauai Now.
About Bernard Carvalho, Jr.
Bernard Carvalho, Jr. is the sitting county councilmember and former Kauai mayor of 10 years, per Hawaii News Now and Kauai Now; endorsed by HGEA, per his campaign site.
Mel Rapozo (7,580 votes) and Bernard Carvalho, Jr. (5,720) advance to the November 3, 2026 general election, per the Hawaii Office of Elections' official August 8 primary results. Open seat: Mayor Derek Kawakami is term-limited and won the August 8 Democratic primary for lieutenant governor. Kauai's top two always advance; a primary majority does not elect outright.
Full race pageBy address
These seats are elected by district; only the district covering your address is on your ballot.
Kauai County is split across 3 Hawaii House districts.
Find your districts by addressHawaii House: 3 districtsDistricts 15, 16, 17
Hawaii House District 15Nadine K. Nakamura (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Nadine K. Nakamura
Nadine K. Nakamura is the State Representative for Hawaii House District 15, first elected in 2016 and serving as House Speaker since 2025, per her campaign site. She previously served on the Kauaʻi County Council from 2010 to 2013 and as Kauaʻi County Managing Director from 2013 to 2016, per her campaign site. Earlier in her career she owned a planning firm, NKN Project Planning, from 1992 to 2012, per her campaign site.
Nadine K. Nakamura (Democratic) is on the November 3 ballot for Hawaii House District 15; Nadine K. Nakamura is the sitting member, per the Legislature's official members directory (capitol.hawaii.gov). Every candidate ran in the August 8 primary; the top finisher of each party advanced, per the Office of Elections' final primary results.
Full race pageHawaii House District 16Luke A. Evslin (D) · David Hazlebeck (R)
Luke A. Evslin
Top priorities
- Says the cost of housing touches everything else and wants to change zoning and building codes to make construction more accessible
- Wants to expand the economy beyond tourism by supporting farmers, manufacturers and home-based businesses, and to increase construction-trades training
- Advocates higher teacher compensation and reduced housing costs so teachers can afford to live on Kauai
Per the a Honolulu Civil Beat candidate Q&A.
About Luke A. Evslin
Luke A. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026; the Office of Elections' primary results are the only verifiable source for Luke A. Evslin.
David Hazlebeck
Top priorities
- Calls affordability and cost of living the single biggest issue and proposes eliminating property taxes for the middle and working class
- Wants to reduce barriers to business growth and expand agriculture, technology and manufacturing beyond tourism
- Prioritizes attracting and retaining teachers and supporting workforce housing so educators can afford to live locally
Per the a Honolulu Civil Beat candidate Q&A.
About David Hazlebeck
David Hazlebeck is the Republican candidate for Hawaii House District 16 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the Hawaii Office of Elections' August 8, 2026 primary results. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026; the Office of Elections' primary results are the only verifiable source for David Hazlebeck.
Luke A. Evslin (Democratic), David Hazlebeck (Republican) are on the November 3 ballot for Hawaii House District 16; Luke A. Evslin is the sitting member, per the Legislature's official members directory (capitol.hawaii.gov). Every candidate ran in the August 8 primary; the top finisher of each party advanced, per the Office of Elections' final primary results.
Full race pageHawaii House District 17Daynette (Dee) Morikawa (D) · Misty Cluett (R)
Daynette (Dee) Morikawa
Top priorities
- Wants to continue legislation addressing the high cost of living, including income tax relief and affordable housing for healthcare workers and educators
- Calls deferred maintenance funding for public school facilities a top yearly priority
- Supports expanding local agriculture and promoting local brands to reduce reliance on tourism
Per the a Honolulu Civil Beat candidate Q&A.
About Daynette (Dee) Morikawa
Daynette (Dee) Morikawa is the Democratic candidate for Hawaii House District 17 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the Hawaii Office of Elections' August 8, 2026 primary results. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026; the Office of Elections' primary results are the only verifiable source for Daynette (Dee) Morikawa.
Misty Cluett
Top priorities
- Names housing and cost-of-living the district's biggest challenge and wants to focus on infrastructure, permitting and wastewater accountability
- Wants schools to teach critical thinking, trades, technology, agriculture and entrepreneurship to diversify the economy
- Advocates fiscal transparency, including knowing bill costs before lawmakers vote
Per the a Honolulu Civil Beat candidate Q&A.
About Misty Cluett
Misty Cluett is the Republican candidate for Hawaii House District 17 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the Hawaii Office of Elections' August 8, 2026 primary results. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026; the Office of Elections' primary results are the only verifiable source for Misty Cluett.
Daynette (Dee) Morikawa (Democratic), Misty Cluett (Republican) are on the November 3 ballot for Hawaii House District 17. Not on the November ballot: Dee Morikawa, the sitting member for the district per the same directory. Every candidate ran in the August 8 primary; the top finisher of each party advanced, per the Office of Elections' final primary results.
Full race pageHawaii Senate District 8Ronald D. Kouchi (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Ronald D. Kouchi
Top priorities
- Affordable housing for local families
- Universal pre-school and expanded trade school opportunities
- Infrastructure funding for roads, bridges, public health and education
Per the campaign site.
About Ronald D. Kouchi
Ronald D. Kouchi is the State Senator for Hawaii Senate District 8, serving Kauaʻi and Niʻihau since 2010 and serving as Senate President since 2015, per his campaign site. He previously served 22 years on the Kauaʻi County Council, including 12 years as council chair, per his campaign site. He is a graduate of Waimea High School and attended Drake University, per his campaign site.
Ronald D. Kouchi (Democratic) is on the November 3 ballot for Hawaii Senate District 8; Ronald D. Kouchi is the sitting member, per the Legislature's official members directory (capitol.hawaii.gov). Every candidate ran in the August 8 primary; the top finisher of each party advanced, per the Office of Elections' final primary results.
Full race pageSee your full ballot
Voting info and more
Voting info and more
Verify your ballot with the official election office.
Cross-check every race and candidate with the official election office. Official sources are the final word.
Who is on the ballot in Kauai County, Hawaii on November 3, 2026?
Kauai County sample ballot 2026: see where the hawaii house, hawaii senate and council candidates stand on housing, roads and jobs. Every candidate profile on this page names the official filing or campaign source it came from.
When is the 2026 general election in Hawaii?
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Registration deadlines, early voting dates and mail ballot rules for Hawaii are listed on the Hawaii election hub. Hawaii election hub →
How do I see my exact Kauai County ballot?
Enter your ZIP code in the lookup for the statewide and congressional races on every ballot in the county, or a full street address to add the county, city and district contests for that location. Look up your ballot →
Sample ballot by ZIP code in Kauai County16 ZIP codes
Candidate roster last updated Sep 27, 2026 from official election sources.