#Maui Election

Batangan has garnered support from a diverse range of unions in Maui County, including 15 different labor unions.

The state capitol has become a hive of activity to support Primary Election Day on Aug. 8. The Office of Elections moved into the Capitol on July 27 to set up ballot counting and processing operations. 

Our Revolution, a national progressive grassroots political organization originating from Sen. Bernie Sanders’ 2016 presidential campaign, has endorsed state Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole in the Aug. 8 Democratic primary for Hawaiʻi’s 1st Congressional District.

The State of Hawaiʻi Organization of Police Officers (SHOPO) and the Hawaiʻi Fire Fighters Association (HFFA Local 1463) have officially endorsed Kauanoe Batangan in his Maui County Council race, securing him the unified backing of Maui County’s police officer and firefighter unions.

Citing his record of strengthening the Maui Fire Department and investing in public safety, the Hawaiʻi Fire Fighters Association Local 1463 has endorsed Mayor Richard Bissen for reelection.

The Patsy T. Mink PAC announced its 2026 slate of 28 endorsed candidates. At the top of the slate is Della Au Belatti, the PAC’s endorsed candidate for lieutenant governor of Hawaiʻi. 

Voters have the opportunity to determine which candidates advance to this year’s General Election by casting their ballots in the Aug. 8 Primary. Completed ballots may be deposited in dropboxes conveniently located around Maui County starting July 17. Ballots may also be returned in the mail. Voters should be sure to mail their ballot with enough time for it to be received no later than 7 p.m. on Aug. 8, 2026.

The General Contractors Association of Hawaiʻi (GCA) has announced the endorsement of State House District 14 candidate Sne Patel. The GCA is the state’s largest construction association representing approximately 500 general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and construction-related businesses. 

The Bissen 2026 campaign invites friends, families, supporters, and community members from across Maui Nui to gather for Hana Hou Night, an evening celebrating community, local music, and the shared commitment to building a stronger future for Maui County.

State House District 14 candidate Sne Patel today announced the endorsements of the University of Hawaiʻi Professional Assembly, the REALTORS Political Action Committee and Plumbers & Fitters UA Local 675.

Ashley Awakea Lindsey, candidate for Maui County Council – Wailuku-Waiheʻe-Waikapū, announced her endorsement from the Hawaiʻi Regional Council of Carpenters.

State House District 14 candidate Sne Patel announced that he has earned the endorsement of four labor organizations: the Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons International Association (OPCMIA) Local 630, Teamsters Local 996, SMART Local 293 (Sheet Metal Workers) and the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) District Council 50.

The West Maui Taxpayers Association hosts a 2026 Primary Candidates Night on Thursday, June 25, 2026 at the Lahaina Civic Center, Social Hall.  The event starts at 4 p.m. with a Meet & Greet, and the formal program begins at 5 p.m. 

The 54th Kupuna Aloha Luncheon is set for Saturday, July 25, at the Grand Wailea.  A total of 40 tables are available — on a first-come, first-served basis — and priority will be given to candidates with MEO accommodating annual supporters.

The deadline to file as a candidate for the 2026 Elections is Tuesday, June 2, by 4:30 p.m., leaving potential candidates just 5 business days to complete the process. The Maui County Office of the County Clerk, Elections Division, strongly encourages candidates to book a filing appointment by calling 808-270-7749. Timeslots are filling quickly.

Maui voters will soon be receiving their yellow voter signature cards in the mail. This voter card does two important things: 1) confirms voters are properly registered to vote in the Primary Election (in August) and the General Election (in November), and 2) gives voters the opportunity to update their signatures in their voter record.

Surrounded by his family and the family of the late Council Member Tasha Kama, fourth generation Kahului resident and current Council Member Kauanoe Batangan officially filed nomination papers Friday to run for the Maui County Council. Batangan shared the moment with his young family, parents, and family-members of his predecessor. 

Surrounded by community supporters, labor leaders and his grandsons, Mayor Richard Bissen officially filed nomination papers Monday morning to seek re-election as mayor of Maui County.

Former Maui County Council Member Kelly King has officially announced her candidacy for the South Maui residency seat on the Maui County Council, setting up a rematch against incumbent Tom Cook less than a year after losing to him by 97 votes.

Mayor Richard Bissen confirmed the endorsement of Operating Engineers Local Union No. 3 in his campaign for re-election.