Hawaii’s November 3, 2026 election features several competitive local races on Maui, including a contested mayoral contest and a West Maui legislative seat tied directly to short-term rental regulation. Results could shift the direction of post-fire recovery and housing development policy.
- Maui Mayor Richard Bissen faces a tight reelection race against council member Yuki Lei Sugimura, who is seen as more pro-development and has raised more campaign funds.
- A statewide constitutional amendment (Question No. 2) would allow counties to create special tax districts and issue bonds to fund housing infrastructure.
- West Maui’s House District 14 race features Lahaina Strong leader PΔΚ»ele Kiakona, who helped push through short-term rental legislation after the 2023 fires.
- Maui County Council races also carry potential for leadership shifts that could affect local land use and recovery-related decisions.
- The mayoral race outcome may signal voter sentiment on how West Maui’s fire recovery and rebuilding effort has been managed.
Source: Civil Beat
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