The Kaua‘i County Council on Wednesday began considering Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami’s appointment of Ku‘uleialoha Santos to the seven-member Planning Commission, with some community members voicing strong support, highlighting her experience, while others had concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
Hanapēpē native Santos, vice president and owner of Unlimited Construction Services, is seeking to fill an environmental seat on the commission for a term ending on Dec. 31, 2028.
The council is expected to vote on the appointment at a future meeting.
According to her application submitted on December 2025, Santos said she previously served on the Historic Commission. She said she is motivated to return to public service to support “thoughtful, balanced planning” that reflects the needs of the Kaua‘i community.
Santos has worked since 2006 at Unlimited Construction Services, a locally-owned company founded in 1990 that works on a diverse range of projects across Hawaiʻi and specializes in affordable housing, commercial, resort, institutional, industrial building and general contracting, according to the company website.
In her application, she states that “since my previous service on a commission, I’ve
grown in both experience and perspective, and I believe this growth has strengthened my ability to contribute meaningfully.
“I’m committed to helping support thoughtful. balanced planning that reflects the needs and values of our Kaua’i community.”
Santos started at an entry-level position at the company and rose through the ranks to her current position in which she oversees “crucial aspects of the company,” including accounting, human resources, safety, IT and the equipment departments.
She is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) accredited professional with a credential in sustainable building practices.
During the council meeting, Ellen Ching, Administrator of the Office of Boards and Commissions with the County of Kauaʻi, highlighted Santos’ background in business, sustainability, and cultural stewardship, noting her involvement in community organizations and Native Hawaiian practices, including salt harvesting at the Hanapēpē Salt Ponds.
Ching described Santos as uniquely qualified, citing her experience bridging development and environmental concerns. She also emphasized the difficulty of filling Planning Commission seats, which require extensive preparation and long meetings.
Council members largely praised Santos’ qualifications, pointing to her blend of construction knowledge and cultural understanding. Several said her background could strengthen the commission’s ability to evaluate projects and their real-world impacts.
“I have no question that you have the capacity to do the job,” Council Chair Mel Rapozo said.
Santos addressed concerns about potential conflicts of interest tied to her role in the construction industry, saying she is committed to transparency and would recuse herself when necessary. She added that her company typically becomes involved in projects only after permits are approved.
“I’m extremely transparent with what I do,” Santos said. “My community has always been my No. 1.”
One speaker urged the council to delay the decision and reopen applications, arguing that a construction executive could face inherent conflicts in an environmental role.
Supporters also said her lived experience reflects the interconnected nature of land use, culture and sustainability in Hawai‘i.
Council members acknowledged the concerns but stressed that professional background alone should not disqualify a candidate. They also noted that conflict-of-interest rules would apply.
The idea that the Planning Commission should reflect a balance of perspectives was echoed by multiple council members, including Addison Bulosan and Felicia Cowden, who emphasized the importance of integrating cultural, environmental and technical viewpoints in decision-making.
