Paul for Kauaʻi
About Paul
Paul Applegate is a U.S. Army Reserve veteran, retired Police Captain with the Kauaʻi Police Department, and longtime community leader. Raised on Hawaiʻi Island but deeply rooted on Kauaʻi, Paul has spent the majority of his adult life protecting and serving communities across Kauaʻi and Niʻihau.
Applegate's career spans over two decades of public safety and community engagement. He oversaw investigations, patrol operations, crisis response, and internal accountability at KPD. He has led responses to hurricanes, floods, and the COVID-19 pandemic, and is known for taking principled stands in defense of transparency and equity.
His campaign is rooted in the belief that real leadership means showing up, listening, and putting people first.
Career Highlights
• Over two decades with the Kauaʻi Police Department
• Retired at the rank of Police Captain
• Led investigations, patrol, administrative operations, as well as internal affairs.
• Kauaʻi Emergency Management - Incident Commander during Hurricane Lane, other major floods (2018 Wainiha, 2019), and the COVID-19 pandemic
• Former School Resource Officer and DARE instructor
• Civil Air Patrol Captain - Deputy Commander for Cadet Programs, Character Development Instructor
• Youth sports coach and church board member
Crime Stoppers Kauaʻi Board Member
Education
• Graduate of the FBI National Academy Session 257
• B.A. in Psychology, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
• Bachelors in Business Administration., University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo
Credentials
• U.S. Army Reserve veteran
• Police captain with 14 years of command experience
• Recognized for leadership and integrity under pressure
Investing in Our Youth
A Stronger Kaua‘i Begins Here
Our keiki are the heart and future of this island. As your County Councilmember, I’m committed to building a Kaua‘i where every child is supported, inspired, and empowered to thrive.
Programs That Inspire
Idle time leads to risky choices. I will push for:
-
After-school programs in every district
-
Summer enrichment in arts, music, sports, and STEM
-
Leadership and mentorship opportunities for teens
-
Collaboration with schools, churches, and nonprofits
When we invest in youth activities, we build leaders — not statistics.
Mental Health Is Non-Negotiable
Our youth are hurting. The rise in teen suicide is a crisis that demands action. I will:
-
Fund access to youth mental health professionals
-
Expand peer-to-peer support and crisis hotlines
-
Partner with schools to provide early intervention
-
End the stigma around asking for help
No teen should feel invisible. No family should suffer in silence.
Affordable Homes for Our Keiki
Our young adults are being priced off the island. I will champion:
-
Affordable starter homes and first-time buyer support
-
Tiny home and multi-generational housing models
-
Smart zoning to support workforce housing
-
Partnerships with developers who prioritize local families
If we don’t act now, we’ll lose the next generation of local workers, parents, and leaders.