Maui Election
West Maui Rep. Cochran leads House in floor no-shows — again, but not as much
State Rep. Elle Cochran of West Maui missed 20% of floor sessions so far this year, the highest absence rate among all House members, according to House of Representatives’ Daily Session Attendance sheets. The records show Cochran was absent for 11 out of 55 session days.
Governor names Keith Regan as Acting Lieutenant Governor for Hawaiʻi
Gov. Josh Green today announced the designation of Keith Regan, comptroller of the Department of Accounting and General Services, to serve as acting lieutenant governor for the state of Hawaiʻi, effective immediately, following Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke’s decision to take a leave of absence.
Operating Engineers Local Union No. 3 endorses Mayor Richard Bissen for re-election
Mayor Richard Bissen confirmed the endorsement of Operating Engineers Local Union No. 3 in his campaign for re-election.
Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke will not seek re-election
Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke announced today that she will not seek re-election to a second term. In a statement, Luke said, “This weekend, after a long discussion with my family and close friends, I decided not to seek re-election to a second term as Lieutenant Governor.”
ILWU Local 142 endorses Bobby Pahia for Maui County Council
The Maui Division of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 142 has officially endorsed Bobby Pahia for the Maui County Council Upcountry residency seat, citing his deep roots in the community, lifelong commitment to working families, and strong alignment with the union’s priorities.
Gov. Green appoints Michael Ratcliffe to represent House District 28
Gov. Josh Green today announced the appointment of Michael Covenant “Cov” Ratcliffe to serve as the state Representative for House District 28, filling the vacancy created by the appointment of former Rep. Daniel Holt. House District 28 includes the communities of Sand Island, Iwilei and Chinatown.
Bissen endorsed by IBEW, Local 1186 in mayoral reelection bid
The Bissen 2026 campaign announced the endorsement of Mayor Richard Bissen by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1186, representing more than 3,000 members across Hawaiʻi’s electrical and skilled workforce.
Sugimura secures endorsement from Carpenters and Laborers unions in mayoral bid
Maui County Council Vice-Chair and mayoral candidate Yuki Lei Sugimura announced today that her campaign has earned the endorsement of the Hawaiʻi Regional Council of Carpenters, the state’s largest construction union representing more than 6,000 skilled members.
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.
