NAME: Carol Lee Kamekona

AGE: 67

RESIDENCE: Kahului

OCCUPATION: Retired, 22 year Navy Veteran

1. What were the biggest vulnerabilities that the Kula and Lahaina fires exposed, and how would you as a council member work to address those issues? 

The Kula and Lahaina fires revealed major vulnerabilities in our emergency response and leadership. One key issue was ensuring highly qualified leadership in MEMA, which we now have, but this leadership requires Council support to modernize and train staff in the Incident Command System. Additionally, we need to invest in modern firefighting equipment and water infrastructure systems, improve communication with the community, and create fire-adapted landscapes. By addressing these gaps, we can build more resilient communities and ensure Maui is better prepared for future disasters.

2. With so many people in temporary housing situations after the fires, how should we as a county pivot to address the need for affordable housing going forward?

The fires exacerbated an already severe housing crisis, making it critical for Maui County to act quickly to stop this housing emergency. As a Council member, I would push to update and implement the Maui County Comprehensive Affordable Housing Plan, with a focus on converting short-term rentals into long-term housing for local residents. I support policies that allow full-time residents the opportunity to own one or two short-term rentals, but we must regulate non-resident use to prioritize housing for residents first. Expanding the Affordable Housing Fund and reforming our permitting systems are key to ensuring residents can afford to stay and rebuild.

3. What is your stance on Mayor Richard Bissen’s proposal to phase out short-term rentals in Maui County? If it passes, where could we find the funds to replace vacation rental tax revenues?

I fully support Mayor Bissen’s proposal to phase out short-term rentals (STRs) as part of a broader solution to Maui’s housing crisis. It is vital to prioritize converting STRs into long-term housing for residents while still allowing full-time Maui locals the opportunity to operate up to two STRs. This balance helps locals manage the island’s high cost of living.

Concerns over lost tax revenue from the STR phase-out are merely distractions from the conservative caucus currently on Council. Maui County Council has the authority to adjust property tax rates, particularly on vacant and second homes, to offset any revenue loss from STR phase-out. By focusing on progressive taxation and diversifying the economy beyond tourism, we can replace those revenues while ensuring Maui’s long-term sustainability.

The problem with kicking the can down the road on our housing emergency is that Maui is experiencing severe population decline which weakens our economy, driving down demand for local businesses, services, and housing construction. If we continue delaying action, Maui’s economy will suffer even more, leading to long-term economic stagnation and fewer opportunities for our residents. Now is the time to act to prevent even one more resident from being priced out of Maui County.

4. Many local businesses couldn’t survive the decline in tourism during the pandemic and after the fires. What can the county do to make our economy more resilient and foster the growth of other industries in addition to tourism?

My approach to economic diversification focuses on building a more resilient, self-sustaining Maui. We must expand sustainable agriculture to reduce our dependence on imports and create local jobs, ensuring food security for our residents. I also advocate for the growth of the healthcare, film, and tech industries to create high-paying jobs for local workers. By investing in renewable energy and small business support, we can drive long-term economic stability while reducing our reliance on tourism and protecting Maui’s natural resources for future generations. I advocate for repurposing vacant commercial spaces into business hubs, creating opportunities for new ventures and helping small businesses recover and grow post-COVID and post-fire. Strong small businesses are vital to a diversified, resilient economy.

5. Drought, fires, housing projects and large-scale agriculture remind us that water is in short supply and high demand. How can we make sure the county has enough water resources to go around?

Water is one of Maui’s most vital resources, and we need a comprehensive plan to ensure its sustainable management for future generations. I support expanding the use of R1 recycled water for irrigation and landscaping, and especially for hotels which will reduce the strain on our potable freshwater supply for residents. By investing in wastewater infrastructure upgrades and implementing a cap on hotel water usage, similar to the cap on hotel water usage on Oʻahu, we can ensure that tourism contributes to sustainable water practices.

In addition, large commercial properties should pay their fair share through impact fees or direct investments into water infrastructure. I also support leveraging County bonds to fund infrastructure projects, including water systems, while preventing private ownership of water resources and honor our constitution which recognizes that water is a public trust. By protecting water as a public trust and promoting sustainable agriculture, we can recharge aquifers, preserve cultural practices, and secure Maui’s water supply for all residents.

6. The council recently passed a bill that paused the Managed Retreat Fund. However, sea level rise and erosion are still a problem, including at Baldwin Beach Park where the pavilion was removed last month. How can we address eroding shorelines while still making sure housing and other fire-related issues are funded? 

Pausing the Managed Retreat Fund is simply robbing Peter to pay Paul (Cheng), literally shifting critical funds meant for shoreline protection to the affordable housing project. This is a false choice created by Council. The Maui County Comprehensive Affordable Housing Plan approved in 2021 already provides a pathway to fund housing projects without cutting essential programs like managed retreat. But that plan continues to collect dust on a shelf instead of getting implemented.

Both issues—housing and environmental resilience—are urgent and should be addressed simultaneously through progressive taxation and proper financial planning, not by pitting one crisis against another.

7. What is your stance on the Maui County charter amendments that will appear on the ballot?

In regards to full-time staff for Maui County Board of Ethics, I support that. Evenmore, I believe the Board of Ethics should be bifurcated from the Office of Corp Council to reduce undue influence over the Board of Ethics. They need their own office staff and their own office.

In regards to reappointment of members of Board and Commissions to one successive term, I support the intent behind the proposed amendment but I also see how it could be leveraged politically in a way that doesn’t align to the interests and will of the people. Specifically, I want to see younger generations become more engaged and involved in County governance and this kind of measure could restrict access to their participation and leadership development opportunities. As a result, I am still considering the benefits and drawbacks of this proposed charter amendment. 

In regards to making the salary commission’s authority consistent with the constitution of the State of Hawai’i, this is an important administrative matter that should be approved. 

Lastly, I want to share my stance on the State Charter Amendment #1 Shall the state constitution be amended to repeal the legislature’s authority to reserve marriage to opposite-sex couples?

I FULLY support and endorse ballot question #1 which would repeal the legislature’s authority to restrict marriage. Outdated laws like this should be changed! Our laws should reflect the aloha we have for all people here in Hawai’i and should protect the rights of our LGBTQIA+ ‘ohana. Love is love.