Candidates endorsed by the MHLA. Photos by Wendy Osher.

By Maui Now Staff

The Board of Directors and Political Action Committee of the Maui Hotel & Lodging Association announced their Maui candidate endorsements for the upcoming General Election.

The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association is comprised of hotels, timeshares, resort condominiums and allied businesses.

Organization leaders say that collectively, MHLA members employ over 20,000 Maui residents in the visitor industry.

The MHLA Board of Directors and PAC endorsed the following candidates:

Maui County Mayoral Race:

• Alan Arakawa

Maui County Council:

• Kahului Don Guzman
• Pukalani-Kula-ʻUlupalakua Gladys Baisa
• Wailuku-Waiheʻe-Waikapū Michael Victorino
• Pāʻia-Makawao-Haiku Mike White
• East Maui Bob Carroll
• South Maui Don Couch
• West Maui Kaʻala Buenconsejo
• Molokaʻi Stacy Crivello
• Lānaʻi Riki Hokama

Hawaiʻi State Senate:

• 5th District Gilbert Keith-Agaran
• 6th District Rosalyn Baker

Hawaiʻi State House of Representatives:

• 8th House Joe Souki
• 10th House Angus McKelvey
• 12th House Kyle Yamashita

Governor and Lt. Governor:

• David Ige and Shan Tsutsui

“The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association is proud to support candidates who we feel would best represent our community and industry at the State and County levels,” said Gregg Nelson, Board Chair in an organization press release.

“As tourism is the economic driver for Maui County, it is critical that we have elected officials who understand the importance of supporting the industry that directly provides jobs for nearly 40% of Maui residents and brings in over $3 billion in spending to Maui’s economy each year,” said Nelson.

The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 1987 to advocate for the Visitor Industry. Organization leaders say the MHLA serves as the industry’s liaison to the general public.