Kauaʻi County, Hawaii
{{short description|County in Hawaii, United States}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox U.S. county
| county = Kauaʻi County
| map_county = Kauai County
| state = Hawaii
| ex image = Captain James Cook statue, Waimea, Kauai, Hawaii.JPG
| ex image size = 200px
| ex image cap = Captain James Cook statue
| seal =
| founded year = 1905
| founded date =
| seat wl = Lihue
| leader_title = Mayor
| leader_name = Derek Kawakami
| largest city = Kapa‘a
| city type = community
| area_total_sq_mi = 1266
| area_land_sq_mi = 620
| area_water_sq_mi = 646
| area percentage = 51.0%
| census yr = 2020
| pop = 73,298
| density_sq_mi = auto
| time zone = Hawaii
| district = 2nd
| web = kauai.gov
}}
Kaua{{okina}}i County ({{langx|haw|Kalana o Kauaʻi}}), officially known as the County of Kaua{{okina}}i, is a county in the U.S. state of Hawai{{okina}}i. It encompasses the islands of Kaua{{okina}}i, Ni{{okina}}ihau, Lehua, and Ka{{okina}}ula. According to the 2020 Census, the population was 73,298.{{cite web|title=U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Kauai County, Hawaii|url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/dashboard/kauaicountyhawaii/POP010220|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=June 28, 2014}} The county seat is Līhu{{okina}}e.{{cite web|url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |access-date=June 7, 2011 |title=Find a County |publisher=National Association of Counties |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110531210815/http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |archive-date=May 31, 2011 }}
The Kapa'a Micropolitan Statistical Area includes all of Kaua{{okina}}i County.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of {{convert|1266|sqmi}}, of which {{convert|620|sqmi}} is land and {{convert|646|sqmi}} (51.0%) is water.{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=April 23, 2011|date=February 12, 2011|title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990}} The Pacific Ocean surrounds the county.
=Adjacent entities=
- Honolulu County, Hawaii - southeast
- Midway Atoll - northwest
=National protected areas=
Government and politics
Kaua{{okina}}i County operates under a mayor-council form of municipal government. The Mayor of Kaua{{okina}}i, elected by the voters on a nonpartisan basis, holds executive authority for a four-year term. Meanwhile, legislative authority is vested in the seven-member County Council. Members of the County Council are elected on a nonpartisan, at-large basis to two-year terms.
= United States Congress=
Kaua{{okina}}i County, like the rest of Hawaii, is represented entirely by Democrats in both the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives.
| class=wikitable |
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center; vertical-align:bottom;"| Senators
! style="text-align:center; vertical-align:bottom;"| Name ! style="text-align:center; vertical-align:bottom;"| Party ! style="text-align:center; vertical-align:bottom;"| First Elected ! style="text-align:center; vertical-align:bottom;"| Level |
|---|
| style="background:blue;"|
| Senate Class 1 | 2013 | Junior Senator |
| style="background:blue;"|
| Senate Class 3 | 2012 | Senior Senator |
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center; vertical-align:bottom;"| Representatives
! style="text-align:center; vertical-align:bottom;"| Name ! style="text-align:center; vertical-align:bottom;"| Party ! style="text-align:center; vertical-align:bottom;"| First Elected ! style="text-align:center; vertical-align:bottom;"| Area(s) of Kaua{{okina}}i County Represented |
| style="background:blue;"|
| 2023 | entire county |
=Hawaii Legislature=
==Hawaii Senate==
| class=wikitable |
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center; vertical-align:bottom;"| District
! style="text-align:center; vertical-align:bottom;"| Name ! style="text-align:center; vertical-align:bottom;"| Party ! style="text-align:center; vertical-align:bottom;"| First Elected ! style="text-align:center; vertical-align:bottom;"| Area(s) of Kauaʻi County Represented |
|---|
| style="background:blue;"|
| 8 | 2010 | entire county |
==Hawaii House of Representatives==
| class=wikitable |
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center; vertical-align:bottom;"| District
! style="text-align:center; vertical-align:bottom;"| Name ! style="text-align:center; vertical-align:bottom;"| Party ! style="text-align:center; vertical-align:bottom;"| First Elected ! style="text-align:center; vertical-align:bottom;"| Area(s) of Kauaʻi County Represented |
|---|
| style="background:blue;"|
| 15 | 2016 | Hā‘ena, Wainiha, Hanalei, Princeville, Kīlauea, Anahola, Keālia, Kāpa‘a, portion of Wailuā, Kawaihau |
| style="background:blue;"|
| 16 | 2023{{efn|Appointed to seat on February 15, 2023, by Governor Josh Green after James Tokioka was appointed to join the governor's cabinet.{{cite news |title=Green makes appointments for open House seats |url=https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2023/02/16/gov-green-appoints-successors-state-house-seats/ |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=February 15, 2023}}}} | Wailuā, Hanamāʻulu, Kapaia, Līhuʻe, Puhi, portion of ʻŌmaʻo |
| style="background:blue;"|
| 17 | 2011 | Niʻihau, portion of ʻŌmaʻo, Kōloa, Po‘ipū, Lāwa‘i, Kalāheo, ‘Ele‘ele, Hanapēpē, Kaawanui Village, Pākalā Village, Waimea, Kekaha |
=Elections=
==Federal==
Kaua{{okina}}i County has traditionally been a solid Democratic stronghold. The county has not voted Republican since the 1984 federal election, when it narrowly voted in favor of Ronald Reagan. In 2024, while it still voted majority Democratic, Kaua{{okina}}i County cast the highest percentage of its vote for the Republican candidate out of any county in the state, a record that has generally been held by Honolulu County. This was the first time since 1960 that the county held this distinction.{{cite web | url=https://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS/ | title=Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections }} The island of Kaua{{okina}}i leans majority Democratic overall. The island of Ni'ihau, while it has a very small population, tends to vote almost entirely Republican, by far the strongest such leaning of all major Hawaiian islands.{{cite web | url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/us/elections/2024-election-map-precinct-results.html?unlocked_article_code=1.qk4.9CUE.eUcpg0mNRL9r&smid=url-share | title=An Extremely Detailed Map of the 2024 Election | work=The New York Times | date=January 15, 2025 | last1=Datar | first1=Saurabh | last2=Marcus | first2=Ilana | last3=Murray | first3=Eli | last4=Singer | first4=Ethan | last5=Lemonides | first5=Alex | last6=Zhang | first6=Christine }}
{{PresHead|place=Kauai County, Hawaii|source1={{cite web|url=http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS/|title=Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections|first=David|last=Leip|website=uselectionatlas.org|access-date=November 10, 2024}}}}
{{PresRow|2024|Democratic|11,803|17,675|586|Hawaii}}
{{PresRow|2020|Democratic|11,582|21,225|690|Hawaii}}
{{PresRow|2016|Democratic|7,574|16,456|2,305|Hawaii}}
{{PresRow|2012|Democratic|6,121|18,641|610|Hawaii}}
{{PresRow|2008|Democratic|6,245|20,416|563|Hawaii}}
{{PresRow|2004|Democratic|9,740|14,916|220|Hawaii}}
{{PresRow|2000|Democratic|6,583|13,470|1,720|Hawaii}}
{{PresRow|1996|Democratic|5,325|13,357|2,338|Hawaii}}
{{PresRow|1992|Democratic|6,274|10,715|2,138|Hawaii}}
{{PresRow|1988|Democratic|8,298|11,770|198|Hawaii}}
{{PresRow|1984|Republican|9,249|8,862|221|Hawaii}}
{{PresRow|1980|Democratic|5,883|9,081|1,657|Hawaii}}
{{PresRow|1976|Democratic|6,278|8,105|139|Hawaii}}
{{PresRow|1972|Republican|7,571|5,401|0|Hawaii}}
{{PresRow|1968|Democratic|4,140|7,051|155|Hawaii}}
{{PresRow|1964|Democratic|1,971|8,713|0|Hawaii}}
{{PresFoot|1960|Republican|5,655|4,636|0|Hawaii}}
Demographics
{{US Census population
|1900= 20734
|1910= 23952
|1920= 29438
|1930= 35942
|1940= 35818
|1950= 29905
|1960= 28176
|1970= 29761
|1980= 39082
|1990= 51177
|2000= 58463
|2010= 67091
|2020= 73298
|estyear=2023
|estimate=73851
|align-fn=center
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=U.S. Decennial Census|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=June 28, 2014}}
1790-1960{{cite web|url=http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu|title=Historical Census Browser|publisher=University of Virginia Library|access-date=June 28, 2014}} 1900-1990{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/cencounts/hi190090.txt|title=Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=June 28, 2014}}
1990-2000{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf|title=Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=June 28, 2014}} 2010-2018
}}
At the 2000 census there were 58,463 people, 20,183 households, and 14,572 families in the county. The population density was {{convert|94|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|people |people}}. There were 25,331 housing units at an average density of {{convert|41|/mi2|/km2}}. The racial makeup of the county was 36.0% Asian, 29.5% White, 23.8% from two or more races, 9.1% Pacific Islander, 0.3% Black or African American, 0.4% Native American and 0.9% from other races. 8.2%.{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=January 31, 2008|title=U.S. Census website}} were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
Of the 20,183 households 34.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.9% were married couples living together, 12.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.8% were non-families. 21.4% of households were one person and 7.7% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.87 and the average family size was 3.34.
The age distribution was 26.4% under the age of 18, 7.1% from 18 to 24, 27.2% from 25 to 44, 25.5% from 45 to 64, and 13.8% 65 or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 100.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.50 males.
Economy
=Top employers=
According to the county's 2022 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report,{{Cite web |last=The Department of Finance, Accounting Division |title=Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2022 |url=https://kauai.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?meta_id=170478 |access-date=November 12, 2023}} the top non-government employers in the county are the following:
| class="wikitable sortable" border="1" |
| #
! Employer ! # of Employees |
|---|
| 1
|Wilcox Health (Wilcox Medical Center) |846 |
| 2
|Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa |810 |
| 3
|Ohana Pacific Management Co. |371 |
| 4
|Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital |275 |
| 5
|160 |
| 6
|Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital |148 |
| 7
|Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative |140 |
| 8
|Kauai Nursery & Landscaping Inc. |97 |
| 9
|88 |
| 10
|The Parrish Collection |85 |
Education
=Higher education=
Kaua{{okina}}i Community College is the county's only institution of higher education. One of the ten branches of the University of Hawaiʻi system, it offers a range of 2-year degrees and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
=Primary and Secondary Education=
Public schools in the county are operated by the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education,{{cite web|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st15_hi/schooldistrict_maps/c15007_kauai/DC20SD_C15007.pdf|title=2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Kauai County, HI|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|accessdate=July 22, 2022}} - [https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st15_hi/schooldistrict_maps/c15007_kauai/DC20SD_C15007_SD2MS.txt Text list] and the county is represented by Maggie Cox on the state's Board of Education. There are 10 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, 3 high schools, and 5 K-12 schools in the county.
==High schools==
==Middle schools==
- Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School
- Kapa'a Middle School
- Waimea Canyon Middle School
==Elementary schools==
- Alakaʻi O Kauaʻi Public Charter School
- Eleele Elementary School
- Hanalei Elementary School
- Kalaheo Elementary School
- Kapa{{okina}}a Elementary
- Kaumualii Elementary School
- Kekaha Elementary School
- Kilauea Elementary School
- Kōloa Elementary School
- Wilcox Elementary School
==K-12 Schools==
- Kanuikapono Public Charter School
- Kawaikini New Century Public Charter School
- Ke Kula Niʻihau O Kekaha Learning Center
- Kula Aupuni Niʻihau A Kahelelani Aloha
- Niʻihau High & Elementary
=Private schools=
There are four private schools in the county: Island School, Kahili Adventist School, St. Theresa's Elementary School, and ʻŌlelo Christian Academy. St. Catherine's School used to operate, but closed its doors on June 7, 2024.{{Cite web |title=St. Catherine School |url=https://www.scskauai.com/ |access-date=2024-12-15 |website=St. Catherine School |language=en-US}}
Infrastructure
=Transportation=
Lihue Airport serves the island of Kaua{{okina}}i. Bus service is provided by The Kauai Bus.
;;Major Highways
- {{jct|state=HI|HI|50}}
- {{jct|state=HI|HI|51}}
- {{jct|state=HI|HI|56}}
- {{jct|state=HI|HI|58}}
- {{jct|state=HI|HI|520}}
- {{jct|state=HI|HI|540}}
- {{jct|state=HI|HI|550}}
- {{jct|state=HI|HI|570}}
- {{jct|state=HI|HI|580}}
- {{jct|state=HI|HI|581}}
- {{jct|state=HI|HI|583}}
Communities
There are no incorporated communities in Kaua{{okina}}i County, or in any other county of Hawaii. The county is the only form of local government in the State of Hawaii.
=Census-designated places=
=Other unincorporated places=
Sister cities
Kaua{{okina}}i County's sister cities are:{{cite web |title=Sister City program worth continuing|url=https://www.thegardenisland.com/2019/10/06/opinion/sister-city-program-worth-continuing/|website=thegardenisland.com|publisher=The Garden Island|date=October 6, 2019|access-date=April 27, 2021}}
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
- {{flagicon|PHL}} Bangued, Philippines
- {{flagicon|PHL}} Davao City, Philippines
- {{flagicon|JPN}} Ishigaki, Japan
- {{flagicon|JPN}} Iwaki, Japan
- {{flagicon|PHL}} Laoag, Philippines
- {{flagicon|JPN}} Moriyama, Japan{{cite web |title=Kauai mayor visits Japan keeping communities together, worlds apart|url=https://www.kitv.com/story/30580277/kauai-mayor-visits-japan-keeping-communities-together-worlds-apart|website=kitv.com|publisher=KITV Island News|date=November 22, 2015|access-date=April 27, 2021}}
- {{flagicon|PYF}} Papenoo, French Polynesia{{cite web |title=Tahiti sister-city students come to call|url=https://www.thegardenisland.com/2018/05/18/hawaii-news/tahiti-sister-city-students-come-to-call/|website=thegardenisland.com|publisher=The Garden Island|date=May 18, 2018|access-date=April 27, 2021}}
- {{flagicon|PHL}} Santa, Philippines
- {{flagicon|JPN}} Suō-Ōshima, Japan
- {{flagicon|PHL}} Urdaneta, Philippines
- {{flagicon|ENG}} Whitby, England, United Kingdom{{cite web |title=Music strengthens sister city bond with Whitby|url=https://www.thegardenisland.com/2013/02/02/hawaii-news/music-strengthens-sister-city-bond-with-whitby/|website=thegardenisland.com|publisher=The Garden Island|date=February 12, 2013|access-date=April 27, 2021}}
{{div col end}}
Notes
{{notelist}}
References
{{reflist}}
{{Kauai County, Hawaii}}
{{Hawaii}}
{{Authority control}}
{{coord|22|04|N|159|39|W|region:US-HI_type:adm2nd_source:dewiki|display=title}}