3 candidates now running to replace term-limited Derek Kawakami for Kauaʻi mayor

With Kauaʻi County Councilmember Felicia Cowden officially filing this week to run for Kauaʻi mayor, she joins a field that already includes Mel Rapozo, chair of the County Council and Bernard Carvalho Jr., former Kauaʻi mayor and former county councilmember.

It is expected to be a highly contested race, unlike in 2022 when current mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami won re-election against Michael Roven with 73.3 percent of the vote. Kawakami, who was first elected in 2018, can not run again due to term limits.

This race for mayor is likely to focus on several issues facing Kauaʻi, including housing, environmental protection and managed growth.

Here is a look at each candidate, and why they say they are running:

Cowden, a mother of two who represents Kauaʻi’s North Shore on the County Council, formally submitted her nomination papers on Wednesday, confirming days of online speculation about her plans to seek the county’s top executive post.

Cowden, who was first elected to the council in 2018 and re-elected in 2022, told Kaua‘i Now that serving the people of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau has been an honor and that she always planned to keep serving in some capacity.

“With many engaged citizens urging me to consider running for mayor, my recent decision was born out of a sense of responsibility, not ambition,” Cowden said.

She said her favorite part of being a public servant is listening to and learning from the people.

“There are rapid political and economic changes occurring in the world at large, in our nation, as well as in our state, with powerful shifts removing localized control and individual choice,” she said. “Our islands need to adapt and position ourselves to have the courage to stand strong on our own principles and keep Kauaʻi, Kauaʻi.”

Throughout her eight years on the council, she has found the most empowering part working with Kauaʻi’s first responders to create better, safer police training, as well as her role in establishing the Wildlands Stakeholder Planning Group to improve fire prevention and resilience.

“I had a lead role in helping to retain our American Medical Response contract to provide uninterrupted ambulance service to our island,” Cowden said. “In general, I tend to be a voice of balance, ensuring that all sides of a given bill or council action are given fair notification and a place in the discussion.”

She said a priority should be to ensure the island retains its “generational population, our authentic Hawaiian cultural presence and people, along with supporting a livable lifestyle for our working population so all of the island can safely function.”

Cowden said she will soon provide more concrete ideas on her website, where she will cover every area of county government to help residents fully understand her platform and see how the public will be welcome to engage directly.

“I have happily worked almost double time in my position as a councilmember, because I want to serve the people,” she said. “That is what inspires me. As mayor, I will continue to operate with my full focus and an open heart.”

Rapozo said Friday he decided to run because, “I love Kauaʻi, and I believe we can do better. After serving 18 years on the County Council, working with three different administrations, I’ve seen firsthand what works — and what hasn’t changed.”

He says that his campaign will begin with listening: “I plan to meet directly with residents across the island to hear their concerns and ideas.”

Rapozo said he is focused on “clear plans for housing, public safety, infrastructure and economic opportunity. We’ll build a grassroots movement centered on transparency, accountability and respect for every voice in our community.”

He has served in the Hawaiʻi Air National Guard for 21 years and on the Kauaʻi Police Department for 13 years, and has owned several businesses, including M&P Enterprises, M&P Legal Support Services and Kauaʻi Metals and Pawn. He currently operates M Rapozo Enterprises.

“As a business owner, you understand budgets, payroll, regulations and the real impact government policies have on working families and entrepreneurs,” he said. “You learn efficiency, problem-solving, and how to build something sustainable.”

He said his experiences in law enforcement, military service, business ownership and nearly two decades in county government give him a well-rounded understanding of leadership.

“I understand public safety, organizational management, fiscal responsibility and economic development from multiple perspectives.”

Carvalho, 65, who previously served as mayor for 10 years from 2008 to 2018, said Friday: “People have asked me to step forward.”

“My leadership style is such to include peoples view point, get their input, make an informed decision. Yes, this type may take longer but it’s important to hear from the people and stakeholders.”

He said: “Kauaʻi cannot afford to be adrift right now.  We have to take hold of the sails and direct our aw’a or it will go off course.  We may end up somewhere we don’t want to be.”

He said experience matters, and as “a civil servant, department head, mayor, and now a County Council member, I have experienced government from all different viewpoints.” He said he understands how government works and knows how to move things forward so issues get resolved.

“Outside pressure is real; the world is moving faster than ever. If we don’t act with intention, Kauaʻi will be shaped by others,” he said.

Carvalho launched his campaign in May with a bang, attracting 300 supporters. Since then, he has hosted two fundraisers and continues to meet with supporters across the island. Meeting with the Hanapepe community last Sunday.

He said the connections he “has made from the past and current allows me to call upon resources that our island needs and I am able to bring them home to the island.”

Carvalho added: “Because of my broad experience, each term I have been asked to chair different committees by the council chair. This has allowed me to continue to promote and forward the Lima Ola Housing project in ‘Ele’ele, which was a signature project as mayor. This project is scheduled to have the blessing of the next phase in March in 2026.”

His hope for Kauaʻi and Niʻihau for the next four years is simple: “I hope that local families can afford to live here, that our communities are safe and cared for, and that our island is protected for future generations.”

Megeso-William Denis and Laura Ann Lindsey have been issued nomination papers for Kauaʻi mayor, but have not filed as of Friday.

The filing deadline is June 2 for candidates in the 2026 Kauaʻi election. To see who has filed for Kauaʻi and all seats throughout Hawaiʻi, click here.