What I Bring To The County Council
I am running for County Council to bring practical solutions, steady leadership, and real-world experience to the future of Kaua‘i.
I have spent my entire life on Kaua‘i, born and raised here, deeply connected to and committed to this island and its people. I am a father, public servant, recently retired Kaua‘i Fire Captain, project manager for The Hanalei Initiative’s Hale Kāko‘o affordable housing development, and a dedicated advocate for local families and kūpuna.
As a lifelong public servant, I’ve learned what it means to take responsibility, lead with integrity, and be accountable to the people around me. For 25 years, I led teams through emergencies where every moment mattered, bringing people together, building alignment, and taking action with care and accountability.
Making decisions wasn’t occasional; it was part of the job every day. That consistency is what builds trust, and it’s what allows me to step in and serve from day one.
This is the same steady, thoughtful approach I will bring to public service.
Mahalo for your support! - Dane Smith
Dedication • Leadership Skills • Island Values
Drawing from real, professional experience, Dane is focused on:
Affordable housing and the infrastructure that supports it.
Care and support for kūpuna and families.
Preservation and stewardship of access to public spaces.
Visitor management
Innovative solutions that last.
Policies that support local communities and protect an island way of life where kama‘āina can continue to thrive for generations to come.
The high cost of housing makes it harder for our children to stay here, on island, and drives up the overall cost of living.
Honored To Earn These Endorsements
This election, Kaua‘i has the opportunity to choose leaders who are prepared, thoughtful, and ready to serve from day one. With four seats open, it’s important to elect individuals who can step in, work with others, and make sound decisions that move our island forward, while protecting what makes Kaua‘i special. I bring the experience, judgment, and steady leadership to do exactly that.
I respectfully ask for your support & would be honored to earn one of your votes this election.
Priorities
Affordable Housing
Finding housing you can afford is one of the biggest challenges facing local families today. I understand these challenges firsthand and I am working on solutions. As Project Manager of Hale Kākō‘o Workforce Housing, I’m helping deliver real workforce housing for essential workers, and I will continue working to expand those efforts so families can stay on Kaua‘i.
Traffic & Infrastructure
Traffic affects our daily life; getting to work, school, doctor appointments, and home. I am currently consulting on the East Kaua‘i Mobility Hub project, expanding transportation options and increasing shuttle access to reduce congestion and improve mobility. These are the kinds of solutions we will build on and expand across the island.
Managing Visitor Impact
We see the impact of increased visitor activity on our roads, beaches, and quality of life. We need to protect what makes Kaua‘i special while maintaining a strong economy, and create a better balance for residents and visitors.
Working with the Hanalei Initiative, I am intimately involved in the Hā‘ena State Park access system out at Ke'e, a model for the state, that keeps visitors safe while prioritizing local residents.
We can apply these solutions across the island.
