Kaua‘i County Council Member Billy DeCosta, known for his involvement in local government and education, recently found himself at the center of a serious security concern. On January 16, 2024, DeCosta discovered a threatening letter, poster, or large paper at the Historic County Building in Līhu‘e. This incident led to an emergency council meeting convened on January 18, chaired by Mel Rapozo, and has since sparked multiple investigations.
Incident Details: The exact contents of the threatening document have not been disclosed, but Council Chair Rapozo characterized it as a “credible threat.” This unsettling discovery prompted immediate action from local and federal authorities. The Kaua‘i Police Department, the FBI, and the Department of Homeland Security’s Hawai‘i State Fusion Center are all involved in ongoing investigations. Additionally, an internal investigation within the local county government is forthcoming.
Security Measures: In response to the threat, new security measures have been implemented at the Historic County Building. These include mandatory sign-ins for visitors, restricted public access to certain areas, and the planned deployment of full-time security personnel. Council Chair Rapozo emphasized the importance of these measures, citing concerns for the safety of council members, staff, and the public. The building, which had previously allowed free entry, is now in a state of heightened security.
Billy DeCosta’s Background: Elected to the Kaua‘i County Council in 2020, DeCosta is a 59-year-old resident of ʻŌmaʻo and a teacher at Kapa‘a High School. His focus has largely been on land and agriculture issues on Kaua‘i. Recently, he was highlighted in a viral exposé regarding Mark Zuckerberg’s property on Kaua‘i’s North Shore, where he commented on the benefits of Zuckerberg’s investments in the local community.
DeCosta’s Leave from Teaching Position: Concurrently, DeCosta has been put on leave from his teaching position at Kapaa High School. The duration of this leave is uncertain and depends on the investigation’s progress. DeCosta teaches building and construction as part of the high school’s career and technical education program. His political platform has emphasized the island’s need for self-sufficiency in food production and affordable housing initiatives.
Council Reactions: Most council members remained silent during the emergency meeting, with only KipuKai Kuali‘i and Bernard Carvalho briefly speaking to express approval of Rapozo’s actions. Rapozo’s leadership in swiftly addressing the threat and implementing security measures has been a focal point in the council’s response to this incident.
Conclusion: The threat against Council Member DeCosta is a serious concern that has brought to light issues of security and public safety in government buildings. As investigations continue, the Kaua‘i County Council remains vigilant, prioritizing the protection of its members and the public. The situation has underscored the importance of robust security measures in public spaces, especially in the context of government operations.
For more information, readers can refer to the original articles from Big Island Now, The Garden Island, and Honolulu Civil Beat.