Kauaivotes.org

Neurodivergent-friendly voter information for Kauaʻi and Hawaiʻi

KAUAI COUNCILMEMBER

About the 2026 Kauaʻi County Council Race

The Kauaʻi County Council is a seven-member body elected at-large, meaning every registered voter on Kauaʻi picks up to seven of the candidates from the same island-wide ballot — the top seven vote-getters in the general election win seats. The Council has no sub-districts; all seats are island-wide. As of the June 9, 2026 official filing record, 27 candidates initially filed for the race; Bart Thomas withdrew after filing, leaving 26 confirmed on the primary ballot. Council Chair Mel Rapozo vacated his seat to run for mayor. Fern Holland is among the filed candidates who previously served on the Council. The at-large structure means voters choose among all island-wide candidates on a single ballot. Key issues candidates have addressed in campaign coverage include housing affordability, the role of short-term vacation rentals, tourism-driven development, and public-safety and infrastructure investment. Voters should consult candidate websites, KKCR Elections forum recordings, and Honolulu Civil Beat candidate Q&As for verifiable stances.

Open seat — no incumbent running.

Primary date: 2026-08-08

HAUPT, Jeremy

Party: Nonpartisan · Backing: Independent

Platform: Retired county lifeguard and former high school swimming coach from Kapaʻa running to 'bridge misunderstandings.'

  • Jeremy Haupt of Kapaʻa is a retired County of Kauaʻi lifeguard and former high school swimming coach; has been cited by Marquis Who's Who — a recognition typically based on professional achievement and civic contribution.
  • Campaign theme: 'bridge misunderstandings' between different Kauaʻi community factions, residents, and interest groups — positioning his council candidacy as a mediating and listening role in a divided political environment.
  • His background as a county lifeguard gives him direct familiarity with beach access, ocean safety, parks infrastructure maintenance, and the public facilities issues that the council funds and oversees.
  • Filed nomination papers on April 23, 2026; The Garden Island published a dedicated profile article on May 26, 2026 — 'Haupt wants to bridge misunderstandings' — indicating meaningful local press recognition of his candidacy. No campaign website was available as of the June 2026 review.

Editorial summary: Jeremy Haupt is a retired Kauaʻi county lifeguard and swimming coach whose Garden Island profile (May 26, 2026) describes a 'bridge misunderstandings' council campaign. His parks and ocean-safety background suggests likely focus on beach access, public facilities, and community dialogue. Voters should follow KKCR forums and local media for specific policy positions.

Key issues: Community dialogue, Beach & parks access, Public safety infrastructure, Housing affordability

Profile last reviewed: 2026-06-03

Other candidates in this race