A Life Of Public Service
July 18, 2008
JoAnn Yukimura’s life of public service reflects a deep and abiding commitment to Kaua`i. Her 20 years of governmental service—14 years on the Council and 6 years as Mayor—have resulted in lasting benefits for the people of Kaua`i.
Born and raised on Kaua`i, she came home in 1974 with a Psychology degree from Stanford and a law degree from the University of Washington. An attorney for Legal Aid Society, she worked with community groups to stop massive development proposals at Maha`ulepu, Nawiliwili, Kilauea and Nukoli`i. Because of these grassroots efforts, Kaua`i is still Kaua`i today.
Yukimura has helped lower the cost of living on Kaua`i by starting the Sunshine Markets and the Kaua`i Bus. Today, the Sunshine Markets provide 7 communities with fresh, affordable, local produce every week. The Kaua`i Bus offers growing numbers of commuters an affordable way to get to work, school, and other services. Yukimura’s administration also assisted with, built or laid the foundation for nearly 1000 affordable homes for Kaua`i families, including the first of several self-help housing projects on Kaua`i.
Yukimura helped to diversify the economy and keep money on Kaua`i by creating the Kaua`i Film Commission, developing the Kaua`i Products Council and helping to start KIUC, Kaua`i’s electric cooperative, which has resulted in over $20.7 million staying in Kaua`i’s economy rather than being shipped off-island.
Working with citizens, Yukimura helped preserve 130 acres of spectacular coastline at Kilauea and enlarge Po`ipu Beach Park up to and including Brenneke’s Beach. She initiated and guided to final passage the strongest shoreline setback law in the country and a limit on vacation rentals outside visitor destination areas.
Yukimura improved governmental services by computerizing the county from “scratch,” beginning with financial operations. By the end of her term, the county was awarded its first Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting. She developed a state-of-the-art emergency communication system and started the first flexibenefits program for County employees. She started the first recycling and composting projects in the county.
A voice for the people and a visionary leader, JoAnn offers the people of Kaua`i experienced leadership to continue Mayor Baptiste’s legacy and lead the people of Kaua`i to a secure, prosperous and sustainable future.