Availability
Affordability
Houselessness
Solid
Waste water
Roads
Sewer
Parks & Recreation
Job creation
Stability
Increase the tax base
I have the benefit of having a father who is very familiar with understanding why it is so difficult for affordable housing to be developed. He retired from a company that developed many primary housing units for its employees and is now on the Kauai Housing Development Corporation, which is chartered to develop affordable housing for our residents. In my discussions with him on this issue, I learned that the county has a plan to provide land and infrastructure for more housing projects. This is very critical to the success of getting more units built. The county council’s role is to continue approving plans and funding for such projects, which I plan on supporting.
The County has a dire challenge for our solid waste management. Our Kekaha Landfill has roughly a five-year life span unless more cells are approved. The location is a critical issue our county will have to resolve and resolve soon. I intend to pursue with the consensus of council colleagues and the administrations help, to locate an alternate site.
Many of our roads, bridges, wastewater and solid waste infrastructure need upgrading. As a councilmember I will continue efforts to ensure that our Public Works Department has the resources to adequately maintain and preserve these basic services for everyone.
I am a strong proponent for addressing the critical needs of our parks and recreational amenities, including our valued Wailua Golf Course.
In addition to the lack of housing inventory, another major issue is the inability for families to qualify for mortgage loans to purchase such housing units. The county council cannot impose on businesses and employment centers pay scales that meet or provide the necessary incomes. Doing so could negatively impact the survival of such businesses and possibly eliminate a workforce dependent on their livelihood. It will create unintended consequences for such businesses, which may lead to their demise. What we can do is to support and assist capital ventures and clean industries that promote job opportunities and enhance earning ability.
Taylor Hideo Shigemoto was born at Wilcox Memorial Hospital on February 28, 1975 to April and Tom Shigemoto. His siblings Tyron, born February 28, 1977, Tryson, born February 22, 1979 and Thomas-Jay born February 28, 1981, all attended Wilcox Elementary School and Kauai High & Intermediate School. Taylor graduated in 1993 with the distinction of Magna Cum Laude. He was elected as Class Vice-President 5 of his 6 years from 7th grade to his Senior year.
Taylor was very active in sports earning a total of 16 varsity letters from his Freshmen to Senior year lettering in 4 sports for 4 years from 1990 to 1993. He was selected as a KIF All-Star in football his Sophomore, Junior, and Senior years, during which time he also tied the KIF high jump record which was previously set in 1966,. . . .
