The State of Hawai'i Organization of Police Officers has endorsed mayoral candidate Bernard Carvalho, according to a prepared statement released Saturday.
SHOPO is the exclusive bargaining unit for Hawai'i’s police officers representing 3,000 officers throughout the State.
SHOPO’s Kaua'i representative, Lt. Bryson Ponce, said in the statement Carvalho has the integrity, personality, leadership, vision and drive needed for the position.
Ponce also said, "He pledges to be very supportive of our police officers in all aspects which include wages, hours, and working conditions.
...I am sure Carvalho will work hard on supporting our police department and our officers to be competitive in helping with filling vacant positions, retaining officers, fighting the war on drugs and drug abuse, and bringing back core family values that is so much needed in our society.”
Upon hearing the news, Carvalho expressed gratitude for KPD's backing, the statement continues.
"It is an indescribable privilege for me to be endorsed by the men and women in blue," he said. "I have the utmost respect for the Kaua'i Police Department and the officers who keep our island safe on a daily basis. As Mayor, I will be a strong advocate to ensure their needs are met so that they can continue to serve the people of Kauai effectively. Mahalo to the leaders and members of SHOPO for this tremendous honor."
Carvalho also pledged additional support for the County’s anti-drug effort.
“I have participated in the Kaua'i Community Drug Response Plan since its inception in 2003, and so much more needs to be done, not only on the enforcement side but also in the areas of prevention, rehabilitation and successful re-entry of offenders into our community. We have to do more to support the non-profits who are providing these vital services.”
One of Carvalho’s main initiatives as Mayor will be to site and build an adolescent drug treatment facility on Kauai. “We have to give our kids the option to deal with their problems here in their own community where they can benefit from the support of their families.”
“All of this supports the mission of the Kaua'i Police Department and the work they do every day to keep drugs off our streets and away from our kids,” stated Carvalho.
About Bernard
- Vote Bernard | Together We Can
- Hawai'i
- Born and raised on Kauai, Carvalho graduated from Kapaa High School in 1979 and attended the University of Hawaii on a full-ride athletic scholarship for football from 1979 - 1982. He graduated from UH in 1983 with a degree in communications and public relations, then was drafted by the Miami Dolphins. “After leaving Miami I joined my future wife Regina in California. But I wanted to come home to Kauai. I was so fortunate to come back and find a good job, a home and have the ability to raise my family on this beautiful island.”
9.06.2008
9.05.2008
Mayoral candidate debate roundup
By Amanda C. GreggHe may not crack as many jokes as Mel Rapozo, seem as frustrated as Rolf Bieber or speak as comprehensively as JoAnn Yukimura, but he’s sincere, he’s competent and he’s actually — gasp — a politician many feel they can trust.
While there isn’t one mayoral candidate lacking the intention of improving the way of life for residents, answering the “Who should be the next mayor?” question isn’t about intention or promises, but rather leadership style.
And as Rapozo delivered on his “straight shooter” MO and Yukimura pointed to her accomplished resume at the mayoral candidates’ first major debate this past Tuesday, it was clear Bernard’s Carvalho’s approach is active listening, with a sort of pensive, reserved strength — the kind that would be expected from a former University of Hawai’i football team captain.
Also clear was that his decisiveness in leadership would be garnered from a team-like effort.
“When we get into difficult times, we need to pull together as one community,” he said.
Carvalho seems to hearken back to his roots in more ways than one, whether that means pulling together as a team or drawing upon memories from his childhood in the “walkable community” of Kealia, replete with a park, small gas station and dispensary.
“If you were to fast-forward, that would be today’s smart growth,” Carvalho said.
“The overall picture for me is keeping that type of rural character and making sure we coexist as a community and as an island,” he said.
But perhaps what most distinguished mayoral candidate Carvalho from others was his strong sense of approachability and sincerity.
"I've worked in community many years and it's not about me, it's about all of us, working together," he said.
For that to translate into Kaua'i's future, he said, the vision for the island has to include keeping it local and promoting its youth.
Marketing a Kauai-grown section in local grocery stores, adding van pools, more bus services, bringing back a signature event like the PGA Grand Slam and getting teens on track for financial independence are key parts of Carvalho's plan.
“Working closely with business communities, working with our young people and empowering them to be placed in high-paying jobs and (focusing on) health and wellness to strengthen the community” are just a few ideas to accomplish that Carvalho said, noting it can and should be done with the spirit of aloha, which, as he said, “starts with us.” —
Amanda C. Gregg
While there isn’t one mayoral candidate lacking the intention of improving the way of life for residents, answering the “Who should be the next mayor?” question isn’t about intention or promises, but rather leadership style.
And as Rapozo delivered on his “straight shooter” MO and Yukimura pointed to her accomplished resume at the mayoral candidates’ first major debate this past Tuesday, it was clear Bernard’s Carvalho’s approach is active listening, with a sort of pensive, reserved strength — the kind that would be expected from a former University of Hawai’i football team captain.
Also clear was that his decisiveness in leadership would be garnered from a team-like effort.
“When we get into difficult times, we need to pull together as one community,” he said.
Carvalho seems to hearken back to his roots in more ways than one, whether that means pulling together as a team or drawing upon memories from his childhood in the “walkable community” of Kealia, replete with a park, small gas station and dispensary.
“If you were to fast-forward, that would be today’s smart growth,” Carvalho said.
“The overall picture for me is keeping that type of rural character and making sure we coexist as a community and as an island,” he said.
But perhaps what most distinguished mayoral candidate Carvalho from others was his strong sense of approachability and sincerity.
"I've worked in community many years and it's not about me, it's about all of us, working together," he said.
For that to translate into Kaua'i's future, he said, the vision for the island has to include keeping it local and promoting its youth.
Marketing a Kauai-grown section in local grocery stores, adding van pools, more bus services, bringing back a signature event like the PGA Grand Slam and getting teens on track for financial independence are key parts of Carvalho's plan.
“Working closely with business communities, working with our young people and empowering them to be placed in high-paying jobs and (focusing on) health and wellness to strengthen the community” are just a few ideas to accomplish that Carvalho said, noting it can and should be done with the spirit of aloha, which, as he said, “starts with us.” —
Amanda C. Gregg
8.21.2008
Big is as big does
I've often joked that I'm voting for Bernard because I want our Mayor to be as big as Honolulu's mayor and Bernard is a big man, a former O-lineman at UH. But the real reason that I'm voting for Bernard is he's a big man in heart before size and not at all an O-lineman in management.Working with Bernard for the past year and a half I've seen that he brings people together and listens attentively, with sincere interest in everyone's contribution. He doesn't slam anyone for the sake of his way, but aims to come together for the best solution knowing that as strong as one is, we're always stronger together.
Working in County government I've seen just how committed everyone is to the good for our island. This includes the other candidates. To borrow a piece of wisdom, 'No one ever made a decision with the hope of screwing this island.' You won't hear any candidate out there saying, 'Forget the locals, the beaches, the way of life here.' Every candidate running wants the best for this island. The difference to consider is who can get it done. I've seen Bernard get things done and he does it in the way: Together.
— Imai Aiu
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