Friends of Richard Bissen announced the endorsement of the Hawaiʻi Longshore Division of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) in Mayor Richard Bissen’s campaign for re-election.

Representing nearly 1,200 longshore workers statewide who play a critical role in keeping Hawaiʻi’s economy and supply chain moving, “the Hawaiʻi Longshore Division recognized Bissen’s proven commitment to working families, accessibility and collaborative leadership,” according to the announcement.

“Mayor Bissen has shown a strong commitment to the working families of Maui County and understands the vital role organized labor plays in supporting our local economy and communities,” said Dustin Dawson, director of the Hawaiʻi Longshore Division, ILWU. “We appreciate his leadership, accessibility and willingness to work collaboratively with labor organizations to address the needs of Maui’s residents.”

Bissen said he is honored to earn the union’s support.

“I’m grateful for the trust and endorsement of the Hawaiʻi Longshore Division of the ILWU,” Bissen said. “Our union workers keep Maui County moving every single day. They build our communities, strengthen our economy and provide for their families through hard work and dedication. I will always stand with working people and continue fighting for opportunities that allow local families to thrive.”

Throughout his time in office, Bissen has worked alongside labor organizations to strengthen public services, invest in local infrastructure, support economic recovery and ensure county employees and working families have a voice in the decisions that shape Maui County’s future, according to the announcement.

“The endorsement reflects a campaign built on steady leadership, collaboration and the belief that doing what’s right means standing with the people who make our communities stronger,” according to the campaign.

The ILWU Longshore Division endorsement adds to a coalition of labor and community organizations, community leaders and residents supporting Bissen’s re-election campaign.

For more information about the Richard Bissen 2026 re-election campaign, visit bissen2026.com.

The list of Maui County mayoral candidates includes: 

• Richard Bissen (incumbent Mayor).
• John Dunbar of Haʻikū.
• Justin J. Herrmann of Lahaina.
• P. Denise La Costa of Lahaina.
• Travis A. Liggett of Makawao.
• Joseph Moses of Kahului.
• Amy Petterson of Kula.
• Yuki Lei Sugimura (Maui County Council Vice Chair).
• Callahan Welsh of Kīhei.
• Laurent Zahnd of Kahului.

For nonpartisan County mayoral and Maui County Council elections, the Primary Election is Aug. 8, and the General Election is Nov. 3.