Maui Voters Pick Between Bissen, Sugimura for Mayor
Incumbent Richard Bissen and Maui County Councilmember Yuki Lei Sugimura are competing in the county's mayoral race.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in City Hall
Live Poll
Do you trust Maui County government to address affordability and housing?
Maui voters will decide between incumbent Mayor Richard Bissen and Maui County Councilmember Yuki Lei Sugimura for mayor. Ballots must be cast before 7 p.m. on Nov. 3.
Why it matters
The race determines who leads Maui County's government on issues both candidates identify as central, including affordability and housing. Hawaii residents in the state's local government landscape will see the outcome shape county policy priorities.
Bissen was elected Maui mayor in 2022 and is seeking a four-year term, while Sugimura has served on the Maui County Council for 10 years. The source does not report polling data, so the race's competitive standing is unresolved.
The players
Richard Bissen
Richard Bissen is the incumbent mayor of Maui County, with prior service as county prosecuting attorney, first deputy attorney general, and judge.
Yuki Lei Sugimura
Yuki Lei Sugimura is a Maui County Councilmember who has served on the council for 10 years and is running for mayor.
The details
Bissen previously served as Maui County Prosecuting Attorney, First Deputy Attorney General, and a former judge. Sugimura's campaign centers on rebuilding trust in county government, housing, and supporting the local economy.
Timeline
2022: Bissen is elected Maui mayor.
Nov. 3: Voting deadline at 7 p.m.
Political Context
The race is a rematch of local executive authority, with Bissen seeking re-election after his 2022 victory. Sugimura's council tenure gives her a legislative record that the mayoral contest will weigh against Bissen's executive experience.
Maui County residents will choose who sets county priorities on housing, affordability, emergency preparedness, and water infrastructure. Bissen's re-election would continue the current administration's direction on those issues.
The takeaway
Maui voters face a choice between continuity under Bissen and a council-based approach under Sugimura, both focused on housing and affordability. Residents should review each candidate's platform before the Nov. 3 deadline.
What happens next
Voters must cast ballots before 7 p.m. on Nov. 3 to decide the mayoral race.
Further reading
Explore more on City Hall coverage of local executive races in Hawaii.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KHON2.
Live Poll
Do you trust Maui County government to address affordability and housing?
