Mike Dandurand for Kaua`i County Council
Aloha and Welcome Mike Dandurand
I have been on Kaua`i for over 30 years and I love the community so much and I want to help direct its path. The pandemic has presented a unique opportunity to reset our direction regarding tourism and what it’s doing to our lifestyle. We have become too reliant on tourist dollars. Now is the time to determine smart and future-forward ways of diversifying; ways that protect the uniqueness and beauty of the island while also satisfying the island’s economic needs.
Three questions I will always ask before presenting or voting for any new legislation: Is it fair? Is it right? And is it good for the future of Kaua`i?
Meet the Candidate
Whether from a baby luau, graduation celebration, or wedding day reception, most Residents of Kauai are already familiar with Mike Dandurand, owner of Kustom Sounds Kauai. KSK is a Professional Mobile DJ Company on Kauai, founded in 1986. In his role as a professional DJ and emcee, Mike Dandurand has had the unique privilege of sharing the most special moments and rites of passage with tens of thousands of Kauai residents.
As a DJ/Emcee, I am aware of people’s feelings and moods. I easily make friends and am understanding of where they are coming from. I always look at both sides of any argument and am open to other ideas.
Mike Dandurand served as President of the Kauai Wedding Professionals Association, guiding business owners from different areas of the industry together, to determine the course of action for the greatest benefit to all those involved.
Now Mike is seeking a new role as our community’s representative – one of seven duly-elected Kauai Councilmen.
Meet the Candidate Mike's Bio
Mike Dandurand was born in 1962 in the Philippines to a Japanese mother, Yoko Igushi, and an American father, Donald Dandurand. His father is a veteran and served in the US Army, then worked as a civil servant for the U.S. Military’s Stars and Stripes Newspaper. In 1968, the Dandurand family moved to Hawai`i from the Philippines, including Mike’s younger sister, Kim, and his brother, Christopher, who tragically passed away in high school from a brain aneurysm.
Mike attended St Louis High School on Oahu and followed in his father’s footsteps to attend the University of Notre Dame, and graduated in 1984. Mike returned to Oahu after college, interned at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, and eventually became Sales Manager.
There was an opening at the new Kauai Hilton and Beach Villas (now Kauai Beach Resort) that would change Mike’s life forever. He moved to Kauai in 1987 and has been in love with the island and its people ever since.
I have been living and working on Kaua’i for 34 years, As a mobile DJ, I have had the honor of being present during the most important moments of Kaua`i’s families. I have celebrated with family for their child’s first birthday, their son or daughter’s graduation commemoration, and their children’s wedding ceremony and reception. I feel like a part of Kaua’i and her people from sharing these rites of passage.
My leisure time is spent taking our dog, Hina, to Kealia Beach and Wailua Dog Park. I enjoy jogging Kapaa Bike Path with my wife, Rivers, and riding my Yamaha 1600 Roadstar up to Monuments and Old Kipu Road. Cruising on my bike and visiting friends all over the Island, you can catch me having an Aina Nui at Aloha Aina Juice Co. or a Poke Bowl at Fish Express.
Education: BA in Computer Management at Notre Dame
Extracurricular: Bengal Bouts 135lb Boxing Champ
If I took away anything from college, it was that I ‘learned how to learn’. I learned how to figure out answers to most any problem … and not to be afraid to ask questions.
Business: Owner of Kustom Sounds Kauai, since 1986
As a business owner, I am constantly figuring out ways to improve our services, run more efficiently and save money. Scheduling and negotiating with major players in the entertainment/event industry in Hawaii, has taught me flexibility and the mental ability to juggle many ideas simultaneously and solve problems quickly and equitably.
Public Service Experience: Lihue Rotary Club, Poipu Rotary Club and March of Dimes Kauai Committee
As a DJ and MC, I have attended, presented and participated with innumerable groups, organizations and charities on island. However, my most notable service with non-profits has been with Kauai Wedding Professionals Association. Duties include keeping meetings on track, managing membership dues, meeting costs and expenditures for the website and marketing. Not only was I a Founding Member but I have served 12 years as President, watching the association grow from 16 to 80 members since 1990.
I have been living and working with the “Aloha Spirit” for most of my life, and now I want to give back to the island with my servitude.
The pandemic and resulting ‘new normal’ has presented a unique opportunity to reset our dependence on tourism and assess how our island has been affected. Now is the time to diversify our economy with measures that protect the environment and beauty of the island while balancing the needs of our society.
Transient Vacation Rentals
Keep visitors in Vacation Designated Areas VDA
2020 Kaua`i County Council Candidates Forum with host, Mark Perriello
Contribute To Mike's Campaign
I am running for County Council because I believe in the fundamental idea of a government that serves the people and works for the betterment of our community. Thank you for your support — together I know we can build a Kaua`i County Council that truly serves our neighborhoods and families.
Contributions via GoFundMe appreciated & accepted below!
*If you would like to contribute by sending a check made out to:
Friends of Mike Dandurand
Please mail it to:
Mike Dandurand for Kauai County Council 2020, PO Box 3738, Lihue, Hi 96766
Please include a phone number and email address, your employer and occupation, with your campaign donation check.
For contributions of $1000, please note your employer.
I receive so much joy from watching people laughing, dancing and walauing, enjoying life with their families and friends. It reminds me of why we are here and what’s important. In many ways, what happens at these parties is a microcosm of what makes Kaua`i so special. I want to preserve that feeling.
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Thank you for your support and continued interest in Mike’s campaign for Kaua’i County Council!
Vote in 2020
Here is information from the State of Hawaii Office of Elections on voter registration:
Beginning with the 2020 Elections, Hawaii votes by mail and all voters will automatically receive their ballot in the mail 18 days prior to each election.
- Primary Election Ballot Delivered: July 21, 2020
- Primary Election: August 8, 2020
- General Election Ballot Delivered: October 16, 2020
- General Election: November 3, 2020