The Board of Directors and Political Action Committee (PAC) of the Maui Hotel & Lodging Association (MHLA) announced its candidate endorsements for the upcoming 2026 General Election. The MHLA PAC reports their endorsement slate includes “candidates who support the visitor industry and who have been vetted through the MHLA PAC endorsement process.”

Endorsements include:

• State House, District 10: Tyson Miyake (incumbent)
• State House, District 11: Terez Amato (incumbent)
• State House, District 12: Kyle Yamashita (incumbent)
• State House, District 14: Sne Patel
• Maui Council Member, Wailuku-Waiheʻe-Waikapū: Marvin Moniz
• Maui Council Member, Kahului: Kauanoe Batangan (incumbent)
• Maui Council Member, South Maui: Tom Cook (incumbent)
• Maui Council Member, Makawao-Haiku-Paia: Nohe U’u Hodgins (incumbent)
• Maui Council Member, Upcountry: Jon Yokouchi
• Maui Council Member, East Maui: Claire Kamalu Caroll
• Maui County Mayor: Richard Bissen (incumbent)

“It is essential to choose effective leaders who influence policy for the best health of the community,” said John Pele, Executive Director of MHLA. “These candidates have shown they understand how important the tourism industry is for Maui’s economy.”

MHLA invites members to meet endorsed candidates at the upcoming mixer on Oct. 15 at Hāliʻimaile General Store. Registration is open at www.mauihla.org/events.