Kauai Mayor Reflects on Infrastructure Gains and Final Priorities

Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami used a one-on-one interview Friday to reflect on accomplishments from his two terms and to set out priorities for his remaining 11 months in office. Kawakami said his administration sought to "get back to the basics" with a pragmatic program of road resurfacing, government process improvements and modernization of the Division of Motor Vehicles to cut lengthy in-person wait times.

Infrastructure has anchored the administration's agenda since 2018. County work to improve roads, repair aging bridges and expand bike lane access along busy streets has been a persistent effort, and Kawakami said residents have noticed improvements. "We used to get so many complaints about roads. And we still do, but it’s lessened tremendously," he said, summing up a tangible measure of progress for daily commuters and local businesses.

Housing was another major focus. Kawakami highlighted the county's role as a leading developer of affordable housing, citing significant land acquisitions in Kilauea and Waimea to expand housing options. Those moves aim to address long-standing local pressures on housing availability and affordability that affect workers, families and the island's service economy.

A large portion of the interview detailed the county's investment in Vidinha Stadium, a $28 million project that will include a regulation track and fields for soccer and football. The upgrades are expected to improve ADA accessibility and modernize facilities including bleacher stands and the announcers booth. Kawakami said these changes could open the possibility of hosting state competitions, offering an economic boost through increased visitors and event-related spending.

Looking ahead, the mayor stressed the importance of laying groundwork for projects that will outlast his tenure. "It’s a lengthy process," Kawakami said. "We’re not gonna be able to complete all of these projects by the time that we leave, but we want to make sure that the foundation is laid for the next administration to really get going on them." Among those plans is extending the east side’s multi-use path out west, a project that would improve connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists across the island.

Kawakami did not rule out future political ambitions beyond the mayoralty, and he framed his final months as a time for reflection and stewardship. He expressed gratitude for his team and for public service work. "I hope we did an ok job, but whether we did good, bad, fell short, or accomplished, from the bottom of our hearts, we’re very thankful and will be forever grateful," he said.

For Kauai residents, the remaining year will be defined by efforts to secure project funding, finalize designs and ensure smooth transitions to the next county leadership so that road repairs, housing development and recreational upgrades continue to advance.