Councilmembers sometimes say, “That’s a federal or state issue,” or “That’s the Mayor’s responsibility,” followed by “There’s nothing I can do.”

But that’s FAR from being true.

There’s ALWAYS something a Councilmember can do, on ANY issue.

Whether they WANT to help or not is a separate question.

If a Councilmember calls the Mayor, the Governor, or a U.S. Senator, they will, without question, get appropriate attention paid to their concern.

That’s not true for the regular man or woman on the street.

If the Council passes a Resolution and submits it as testimony on a Federal or State issue, that position represents the entire County.

While the Mayor writes the checks and is the administrative boss over the County departments, the Council – via the budget approval process controls how much money each of those departments may spend.

Both the Mayor and the Council may propose new projects, ordinances, and spending – but to actually move forward, a majority of Councilmembers must approve any such proposals.

The Council has the power and responsibility to manage how property taxes are levied. They can impact the behavior of property owners by providing tax incentives and disincentives.

Note: To my knowledge, no hotel, corporation, absentee owner, or oligarch has ever left the Hawaiian Islands because property taxes are too high.

The Council can pass or amend ordinances governing long term planning, land use, permitting, density, coastal “set-back”, and “permitted uses” (resort, industrial, residential, agricultural, etc.).

The Council can legally ban items like single-use plastic water bottles, plastic fast-food containers, foam boogie boards, etc.

The Council can determine whether or not to allow herbicides, pesticides, and “forever” chemicals on County property.

The Council has the power to implement “curbside recycling.”

The Council has the authority to authorize low-interest bonds to fund expand wastewater treatment facilities – and pass those costs on to property owners as an alternative to septic conversion mandates.

The Council could pass an ordinance TOMORROW preventing County resources – both personnel and facilities — from being utilized by ICE.

The Council can conduct “performance audits” to increase efficiency and eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse.

Note: Kauaʻi County is the ONLY County in Hawaiʻi without a full-time County Auditor, as required by its County Charter.

The Council can support criminalizing the unsheltered – or they can pursue solutions that address core systemic issues while providing legal, safe places for those without homes – to sleep.

Note: Hawaiʻi County provides dedicated funding for homeless services, which includes a 50-bed “safe zone” for those who simply need a shower, bathroom, and place to sleep for the night. They also audit service providers to ensure County funds are well-spent.

That’s just a sample of what the County Council could do.

So, to anybody who might claim the County Council has no real power? That’s absolutely bunk, and totally WRONG.

A proactive Council anchored by a majority of members who put people and planet first, backed by an active and engaged community, could make our County a model for the world.

THIS is how we think globally and act locally.

We act from a mindset of abundance, not scarcity.

We raise the funds from the big landowners, corporations, absentee owners, tourists, and people who can easily afford and deserve to pay more.

We aggressively support the development of truly affordable housing for local residents who pay the least amount of property taxes, AND we extend a hand up to help those who need it most.

Along the way, we create the best community parks, youth programs, and senior support services. We handle our solid waste via curbside recycling, we continually expand our public transportation systems, and we strive always for food and energy self-sufficiency.

We can do this – but first we must identify, support and elect five council members who share the vision, feel the urgency, and willing to make the commitment.

What say you?

Gary Hooser
Former Kauaʻi County Councilmember – 8 years
Former State Senator 8 years
Presently a proud grandpa 9 years