Aloha:

The Kauai Board of REALTORS Board of Directors and Government Affairs Committee recently met individually with the seven County Council Members to provide them with a list of priorities for this year. In the past, we have provided topics in general under “Housing” opposing tax increases, supporting density increases in specific areas and adding in infrastructure (water, sewer & roads).

This year the Government Affairs Committee focused on the General Plan and asked each Council Member to highlight the challenges they see in three general areas: Infrastructure, Climate Change and Housing. Each of them was also given an opportunity to provide their goals as the Chair of their respective committees.

The number one concern voiced by each Council Member was the lack of infrastructure to accommodate the housing needs/development with no additional funding to expand water and sewer lines without private developers. Other concerns include Climate Changes that will have major impacts on the majority of our roads throughout the island and the danger of the possibility that both Wailua Bridges could potentially be washed out by large debris during flooding, destroying the main sewer and water lines. The last concerning factor is the lifespan of the Landfill that sits at the border of the ocean susceptible to tsunamis and tidal changes.

As we’re coming up to the first year of COVID, we are reminded of how dependent Kauai is on tourism. For one year we have adapted to immediate changes in how each of you are conducting your business. In person meetings now are limited to a specific number of people with the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Homes are shown virtually or by appointment only. 

It was hard to find positivity throughout 2020, right? But looking back, and now forward, we have a lot to be thankful for. That statement does not minimize the 500,000+ lives lost and the heartbreak on each of those families. It also does not minimize the fact that many small businesses closed or continue to struggle, nor does it minimize the loss of jobs for countless individuals. But with 2021, we do see light at the end of the tunnel!

Sales and property management have made an astounding rebound in the 4th quarter 2020 and continue to be out performing expectations for 2021 and we all continue to adjust to the hype in the marketplace on all levels. As mentioned in my presidential speech, I would encourage our members to please be an advocate for your clients in their transition to Hawaii if they are mainland clients. Encourage them to think and act local. Please do not brag about site-unseen sales in your marketing or on social media accounts and please do not tell people Kauai is Covid free. These are seen as unprofessional to our community and creating backlash within the community against our incoming mainland clients/guests and against the real estate industry at large. I beg you to use discretion when promoting yourself or the current heat of our market. Be tactful and factful!

There are many other businesses that are booming during this time including all construction trades; contractors, electricians, plumbers, drywall, painting. Also, handyman service, yard care, IT, health care, food and goods delivery, personal shoppers, personal assistants, and much more. Tourist centric businesses will see a return soon. And I think everyone will work on their Plan B moving forward in case of another catastrophe.