Kaua‘i councilman announces run for mayor

A familiar face to Kaua‘i voters has thrown his hat in the ring for mayor.

Bernard Carvalho Jr. announced his candidacy on Wednesday at the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall in Līhu‘e. While he currently serves as a council member, Carvalho previously served as mayor from 2000-2018.

Born and raised on the Garden Isle, Carvalho told supporters through the good times and the hardest ones, they’ve stood together.

“I know this island because it raised me, and everything I’ve ever done in public service, in leadership, and in life has been for the people of Kaua‘i,” he said.

Also considering a run is Council Chair Mel Rapozo, who has also been a longtime public servant on the Garden Isle, according to Hawai‘i News Now.

Rapozo last ran for mayor in 2018 and lost to Derek Kawakami, who is terming out.