Kauai's two mayoral candidates are set to face off in a live forum, a neutral but important moment for island voters weighing who leads the recovery.

• Bernard Carvalho and Mel Rapozo will appear together to make their case to Kauai voters.
• Rebuilding after the hurricane that hit the island is the central issue on the table.
• Voters can submit their own questions ahead of the forum by comment, email, or video.
• The race matters beyond politics — the winner will steer how recovery money and rebuilding decisions get made.

Outlook: Expect recovery spending and rebuilding timelines to dominate the campaign as the vote approaches.