Zero Waste Kauaʻi and partners Hōʻike, KKCR Kauaʻi Community Radio, Surfrider Kauaʻi and Kauaʻi Planning Action Alliance will soon get trashy with Kauaʻi County mayoral candidates in the upcoming primary elections.

They are hosting the free online 2026 Kauaʻi Mayoral Candidate Forum: Talking Trash with Kauaʻi’s Next Mayor scheduled for 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. July 29 via Zoom. The forum is focused on Kauaʻi’s waste and environmental challenges.

Some of the island’s most pressing environmental challenges and solutions to Kauaʻi’s solid waste and landfill concerns are at the top of the forum agenda, plus other environmental issues that impact the island.

Community members will hear from each candidate about their vision for addressing these critical issues and learn how they plan to support a more resilient and sustainable future for Kauaʻi.

Discussion topics will include:

• Solving Kauaʻi’s landfill crisis.
• Composting and waste diversion.
• Protecting waterways and wildlife.
• Sustainable resource management.
• Environmental leadership and community solutions.

“Kauaʻi’s landfill crisis affects every resident, business and community across our island. We need thoughtful leadership, collaboration and innovative solutions to reduce waste, protect our natural resources and build a more sustainable future,” said Zero Waste Kauaʻi President Sabrina Day. “This forum provides voters with an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates about their priorities and proposed solutions for our island home.”

All mayoral candidates competing in the 2026 primaries were invited to participate.

Candidates are:

• Bernard Carvalho Jr. (current Kaua‘i County Council member and former Kaua‘i County mayor)
• Felicia Cowden (current Kaua‘i County Council member)
• Megreso William Denis (political newcomer)
• Laura Andaya-Lindsey (political newcomer)
• Mel Rapozo (current Kaua‘i County Council member)
• Michaela Widener (political newcomer)

The forum is free and open to the public. Those who want to attend can register now.

It will also be streamed on the Hōʻike YouTube channel and by KKCR Kauaʻi Community Radio.

Additional details will be announced via the Zero Waste Kauaʻi Instagram page and website.