The Chamber of Maui Political Action Committee (COMPAC), whose members handle the Maui Chamber’s candidate endorsement process, has released its list of  “business-friendly” endorsements for the 2018 U.S. Senate and House, governor, mayor and Maui County Council races.

COMPAC endorsements were delayed as the committee did not want to release endorsements prior to the Maui County Candidate Forum, which had to be rescheduled due to Tropical Storm Olivia.

All candidates running in these races in this year’s General Election were invited to participate in the endorsement process.

To arrive at its endorsements, COMPAC engages candidates in an interview process, with candidates scored on questions for their respective race based on Maui Chamber of Commerce positions, priorities, values and current issues.

Candidates must meet the minimum score, even if it means that no endorsement is made in a given race. Candidates must be deemed “business-friendly” to be endorsed.

While electability is a consideration, it is not scored, as the process is not based on a popularity vote or determined by who is likely to win.

The committee is looking for the most “business-friendly” candidate based on their priorities, understanding of business issues, plans and solutions, willingness to work with the chamber, and past performance (if an incumbent).

COMPAC encourages the public to vote for them via absentee ballots or during the General Election
on Nov. 6.

U.S. Senator
Mazie Hirono

U.S. Representative – District II
Tulsi Gabbard

Governor
Andria Tupola

Maui Mayor
Mike Victorino

Maui Council Members

East Maui
Claire Kamalu Carroll

West Maui
Rick Nava

Wailuku-Waihe‘e-Waikapū
Alice Lee

Kahului
Alan Arakawa

South Maui
Zandra (Amaral) Crouse

Makawao-Ha‘ikū-Pa‘ia
Mike Molina

Upcountry
Yuki Lei Sugimura

Lāna‘i
Riki Hokama

Moloka‘i
Stacy Helm Crivello

“On behalf of the chamber, we want to thank all members of COMPAC who invested a tremendous amount of time engaging in this process before the General Election,” Chamber President Pamela Tumpap said. “They worked diligently on the chamber’s behalf to put forth these “business-friendly” candidates for U.S. Senate and House, governor, mayor and Maui County Council races. Sustainable communities balance the economy, environment and social well-being, while supporting local businesses, recognizing their contributions of products, services, tax revenue, innovation, quality of life, and the creation of jobs for residents. It’s not businesses or the environment, it’s both and more. A thriving community is a stable community and we need people in office that are ‘business-friendly’ and support that balance. Further, this is a critical time for us on a national, state and county level with major issues to address such as affordable housing, water, severe infrastructure challenges, sustaining agriculture and more. It is imperative that we have a seasoned team who can quickly move us forward and begin tackling these issues after the election. There will be many requests at the state level for funding and we need those in office who have the expertise and network to keep Maui top of mind. On a county level, experience is critical now. Therefore, we support this team along with those we have already endorsed as we feel they are the best candidates for the positions sought. We encourage the community to take copies of these endorsements with them to the polls and to help elect these individuals for a stronger Maui County.”