Mayor Richard Bissen and the Bissen 2026 campaign invite residents from across Maui Nui to come together for a Chili & Rice Fundraiser on Thursday, Oct. 8, at the Velma McWayne Santos Community Center in Wailuku.

The evening will bring together community members as Mayor Bissen shares his vision for the future of Maui Nui.

Throughout his first term, Mayor Bissen has led Maui County through some of the most consequential challenges in its history while advancing work on housing, water, emergency preparedness, economic resilience and Lahaina’s recovery. His administration has also taken significant steps to bring Maui’s water resources into public stewardship, ensuring decisions about water are made in the best interests of the people and communities who depend on it.

“Water is connected to everything we are working to accomplish for Maui Nui, from keeping our families home and building the housing we need to supporting our farmers, strengthening our economy and protecting the future of our communities,” Mayor Bissen said. “Decisions about our water belong in the hands of our people. The decisions we make today will shape our keiki’s future, and that is why we are taking action now to protect this resource for generations to come.”

On Oct. 8, Mayor Bissen will discuss how his administration plans to build on the progress of the past four years and continue delivering meaningful change for Maui County residents.

“Our community has been through extraordinary challenges, but those challenges have also shown us what we are capable of when we work together,” Mayor Bissen said. “We have made important progress, and now we have an opportunity to build on that work and shape the future we want for Maui Nui. I look forward to sharing that vision with our community.”

The event will offer attendees an opportunity to hear directly from Mayor Bissen about his priorities for the next four years while gathering with neighbors and community members over chili and rice.

Doors open at 5 p.m., with the program beginning at 5:30 p.m.

All ages are welcome. Tickets are $25 for adults 18 and older. No ticket is required for attendees under 18. Tickets may be purchased in advance through the Bissen 2026 website or at the event.

Bissen 2026 Chili & Rice Fundraiser

What: Bissen 2026 Chili & Rice Fundraiser
When: Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026
Doors open: 5 p.m.
Program begins: 5:30 p.m.
Where: Velma McWayne Santos Community Center, Wailuku
Tickets: $25 for adults 18 and older; no ticket required for attendees under 18
Tickets and information: Bissen 2026 website https://thebissenmovement.nationbuilder.com/chili_rice_fundraiser_oct8

The General Election ballot will feature incumbent Mayor Richard Bissen and Council Vice-Chair Yuki-Lei Sugimura, vying for the Countyʻs top spot. Both edged out eight other competitors in the crowded Primary Election in August.