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
I am running for Kauaʻi and Niʻihau County Council to continue a lifetime of service and to help guide our islands with integrity, accountability, and common sense. I am an Army Reserve veteran and served more than 25 years with the Kauaʻi Police Department in senior leadership roles, where I learned the importance of discipline, teamwork, and putting people first.
My priorities focus on protecting the unique character of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau while addressing the real challenges our residents face. I support increasing affordable and workforce housing for local families and kūpuna through responsible, well-planned development that respects our ʻāina, water resources, and infrastructure. I strongly support self-sufficient agriculture to strengthen food security and reduce reliance on imports. Public safety, emergency preparedness, and community resilience remain core priorities, along with investing in solid waste management and modern, reliable sewer systems to protect public health and the environment.
I am committed to fiscal responsibility, transparency, and collaboration, always working in the long-term best interests of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau.