Local Economy
Accomplishments
(1st Term)
Empowered the “RISE TO WORK” program, including:
- $40 million of CARES and ARPA funding infused directly into the Kauaʻi community
- RISE TO WORK program for 280 displaced workers to connect with temporary job opportunities with 100 employers in 2020; and 364 displaced workers and 143 employers in 2021.
- Office of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) was reorganized and revitalized
- Created the Kaua‘i Economic Recovery Strategy Teams to create ideas to recover from the economic downturn of the pandemic. Of 45 recommendations, 33 are completed or in progress.
- Started Business Mentor program for businesses ready to make a leap to a higher level of operation.
- Implemented $22M Emergency Rental Assistance program for those who struggled to make ends meet.
- Stood up the Hoʻohana Kaua‘i program connecting job seekers directly with permanent employment.
LOOKING FORWARD
(2nd Term)
Promote economic growth in the private sector by:
- Leveraging leadership of OECD programs and projects for new and expanded opportunities
- Working with trades-and-crafts unions and the Kauaʻi Community College to expand licensing and apprenticeship programs
- Rejuvenating Kaua‘i’s film industry marketing efforts.
- Workforce training program for pre and post-production jobs.
- Return of the Garden Island Film Festival.
- Updated “Kaua‘i Made” website and increased tools and opportunities for these small businesses.
- Two county facilities to support shared workspaces, makerspaces, and equipment for small businesses. Aggressively promoting opportunities for the film industry on Kauaʻi.
- Tech-to-Work initiatives and workforce upskilling in target areas of trades, elder care, remote technology, healthcare.
