Kaua‘i voters will have an opportunity next week to hear directly from mayoral candidates Mel Rapozo and Bernard Carvalho Jr. in the island’s first mayoral debate since the Aug. 8 primary election.
Hale Līhu‘e, Hō‘ike Kaua‘i Community Media, KKCR Kaua‘i Community Radio and Kaua‘i Wire are presenting the event, which is scheduled live from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 27.
The event will not include an in-person audience. Instead, residents can follow the debate through KKCR’s radio broadcast or online stream, or watch via Hō‘ike Kaua‘i Community Media’s YouTube channel.
The debate is intended to give voters a chance to compare the candidates’ priorities, positions and plans for the county.
The winner will replace term-limited Derek S.K. Kawakami, who is running for lieutenant governor of Hawaiʻi.
Rapozo, the current County Council Chair, and Carvalho, a current council member and former Kauaʻi mayor, were the top two vote getters in a filed of six candidates in the primary and now will face off in the general election on Nov. 3.
Questions have been submitted by community organizations representing a range of interests, including agriculture, housing, business, culture, community development and environmental stewardship.
Organizers said the coalition is intended to bring perspectives from communities and sectors across the island into the discussion.
How to watch or listen
Radio: KKCR, 91.9 FM
Online radio: KKCR.org
Video: Hō‘ike Kaua‘i Community Media YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@hoikekctv
