Maui Election
Term-limited Kauaʻi Mayor Kawakami running for Hawaiʻi lieutenant governor
“This race is about who we are running for — our home, our people and the future of Hawaiʻi,” Derek S.K. Kawakami said during his announcement he was was running for the second-highest office in Hawaiʻi.
University of Hawaiʻi Professional Assembly endorses Sylvia Luke for lieutenant governor
Based on Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke’s recent public disclosures on her campaign contributions, UHPA reaffirmed their endorsement, noting there is nothing to warrant rescinding this endorsement.
Electrical Workers and Plumbers and Fitters back Sugimura for Mayor
Yuki Lei Sugimura, Maui County Council Vice-Chair and candidate for Mayor, announced that she has secured the endorsement of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1260, and the Plumbers and Fitters UA Local 675.
Iron Workers Union Hawaiʻi and HGEA endorse Bissen’s mayoral re-election bid
The Bissen 2026 Campaign announced that the Ironworkers Stabilization Fund and Iron Workers Union Local 625 have formally endorsed the re-election of Mayor Richard Bissen. The Hawaiʻi Government Employees Association, the largest public-sector union in Hawai‘i, also announced its endorsement of Mayor Richard Bissen in his 2026 re-election campaign.
Sugimura pulls papers for Mayor of Maui County; announces key endorsement
Yuki Lei Sugimura, Maui County Council Vice-Chair and holder of the Upcountry residency seat, has officially pulled papers to campaign for Mayor of Maui County.
P. Denise La Costa announces candidacy for Maui County Mayor
P. Denise La Costa, a Maui community leader and business owner, announced that she is running for Maui County Mayor. The news was shared during a press conference Thursday, fronting the County Building in Wailuku.
Prominent kalo farmer Bobby Pahia to run for Maui County Council seat in race that could impact power balance
Bobby Pahia hopes to fill the seat that will be vacated by Yuki Lei Sugimura as she launches a bid for mayor.
Justin Herrmann announces run for Maui County mayor
Justin Herrmann has announced his intent to run for mayor of Maui County.
Maui County Council Vice Chair Sugimura to challenge incumbent Bissen in 2026 election for mayor
Yuki Lei Sugimura, a five-term council member, said her decision was spurred by the recent passage of the bill to phase out thousands of vacation rentals, which she says will negatively impact the local economy.
Kauanoe Batangan officially sworn in as Maui County Council member; Committee memberships assigned
Kauanoe Batangan began his term on the Maui County Council Monday morning, stepping into the Kahului residency seat held by the late Council Member Tasha Kama, a fulfillment of her final wish for him to succeed her.
Jackie Keefe announces run for Hawaiʻi State House, District 14 on Maui
Community advocate Jackie Keefe announced her candidacy for the Hawaiʻi State House of Representatives, District 14, which includes Kahakuloa, Waiheʻe, portions of Waiehu and Māʻalaea, Lahaina and Honokahua.
HOKU PAC launches to support māhū and LGBTQIA+ representation in Hawaiʻi politics
A new political action committee aimed at expanding representation and advancing civil rights in Hawaiʻi was formally launched today, coinciding with the third anniversary of the federal Respect for Marriage Act.
Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi selects 3 names to send to the governor for House vacancy
The three names have been selected to be sent to Gov. Josh Green for his consideration to fill the vacancy created by the appointment of former State House District 36 Representative Rachele Lamosao to Senate District 19.
ILWU Local 142 announces endorsement of Richard Bissen for 2026 re-election
The Bissen 2026 campaign expressed gratitude for the endorsement of Mayor Richard T. Bissen Jr. by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 142.
Mayor appoints Batangan to fill Maui Council vacancy for Kahului residency
Maui Mayor Richard Bissen announced the appointment of Kauanoe Batangan to fill the Maui County Council Kahului residency seat left vacant by the passing of Council Member Tasha Kama in October. Batangan will officially assume office on Jan. 1, 2026, due to transitional time over the holidays.
Maui senators secure leadership and committee assignments ahead of 33rd Legislature
Maui Sens. Lynn DeCoite, Troy Hashimoto and Angus McKelvey have secured various leadership positions.
HGEA endorses Bissen for 2026 re-election
The Hawaiʻi Government Employees Association, the state’s largest public-sector union, has endorsed Mayor Richard Bissen in his 2026 re-election bid.
Gov. Green appoints Rachele Lamosao to represent Senate District 19
Gov. Josh Green today announced the appointment of Hawai‘i State Rep. Rachele Lamosao to serve as the state Senator for Senate District 19, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of Sen. Henry Aquino that took effect Nov. 30.
Kahului Council candidates interviewed; contrasts emerge in policies, philosophy and personalities
Differing personalities, philosophies and policy positions surfaced Thursday afternoon as Maui County Council members interviewed three applicants vying to fill the unexpired term of the late Council Member Natalie “Tasha” Kama.
Mayor Richard Bissen announces re-election campaign
Mayor Richard T. Bissen, Jr. announced today, Nov. 8, 2025, that he will seek re-election to continue serving the people of Maui County, emphasizing steadfast leadership, community collaboration, and long-term resilience as the foundation of his 2026 campaign.
