Progressives Set to Control Maui County Council Starting January
Following the November election, Maui County Council is shifting to a 6-3 progressive majority, replacing a centrist bloc that has held power since 2022. Incoming members have signaled interest in issues including vacation rentals, housing, and storm recovery. Three new members will be sworn onto the Maui County Council in January, with two expected to […]
Maui Voters Back Mayor Bissen’s STR Phaseout in Reelection Win
Mayor Richard Bissen won reelection with 56% of the vote, with his support for phasing out short-term rentals in residential zones seen as a key factor. The results signal broad voter support for prioritizing local housing affordability over vacation rental expansion. Mayor Bissen secured reelection on a platform centered on reducing STRs in Maui residential […]
Progressive Supermajority on New Maui Council May Curb Tourism Growth
Maui County Council elections have produced a 6-3 progressive supermajority, giving the new bloc enough votes to override mayoral vetoes. Analysts expect the shift to drive policies limiting development and potentially capping visitor numbers. The council flips from a 5-4 pro-development majority to a 6-3 progressive supermajority after the November 2026 election. A six-vote supermajority […]
Election Results May Shift Maui Council Toward Tourism Growth Limits
Three council races on Maui produced results that could create a new supermajority focused on limiting development and tourism growth. Incoming member Kelly King has stated plans to pursue a hotel and vacation rental construction moratorium. Kelly King reclaimed her South Maui council seat, while newcomers Bobby Pahia and Marvin Moniz led their respective races […]
Maui Mayor Bissen Wins Reelection on STR Phaseout Platform
Maui Mayor Richard Bissen won reelection with 56% of the vote, with his support for phasing out short-term rentals in residential zones seen as a key factor. The results signal continued political momentum for reducing STR inventory on Maui. Mayor Bissen secured reelection over two challengers who had vowed to reverse the STR phaseout established […]
Mayor Bissen Wins Reelection, Signaling Continued Push on Vacation Rental Conversions
Multiple sources report that Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen won reelection on November 4, defeating County Council member Yuki Lei Sugimura despite significant independent expenditure spending in support of his opponent. The race was closely watched by the vacation rental community, as Bissen championed Bill 9 — a law requiring thousands of Minatoya-list vacation rentals […]
Key Maui Races on Nov. 3 Ballot Could Shift Local Policy
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 […]
Native Hawaiian Group Wins Right to Challenge $471M Wailea Housing Project
A Maui nonprofit and five Native Hawaiian residents have been granted intervenor status to challenge a proposed 273-unit luxury residential development in Wailea, citing concerns over water supply and cultural resources. The Maui Planning Commission sent both parties to mediation after the developer did not object to the intervention. Mālama Kakanilua and five Native Hawaiian […]
Native Hawaiian Group Moves to Block $471M Wailea Residential Project
A community group and five residents won the right to intervene in Ledcor Maui’s 273-unit first-phase development in Wailea, citing water supply and cultural resource concerns. The Maui Planning Commission has ordered mediation, with a contested case hearing possible if talks fail. Mālama Kakanilua and five residents successfully petitioned the Maui Planning Commission to intervene […]
Maui Mayor Candidates Outline Stances on STR Phase-Out and Housing
Incumbent Mayor Richard Bissen and Council Vice Chair Yuki Lei Sugimura face off in the Maui County mayor’s race, with short-term vacation rental policy, water, and housing among the key issues debated ahead of the November election. The race for Maui County mayor pits incumbent Richard Bissen against Council Vice Chair Yuki Lei Sugimura in […]