Skip to content
Maui Elections 2026
Credible thirdBill 9: repeal

P. Denise La Costa

Age 74 · Originally from Longview, WA; Maui resident since 1990

Campaign website →

Thirty-six-year Maui resident. President of the West Maui Community Task Force. Former Maui County Planning Commission Chair (2018–2023). Owner and principal broker of La Costa Realty Hawaiʻi for 20+ years. Platform framework: WHEN — Water, Housing, Economy, New Procedures.

Maui resident

36 years

Since 1990

Planning Commission

Chair 2018–2023

Maui County

Realty career

20+ years

La Costa Realty Hawaiʻi

Recognition

Hall of Fame 2023

Hawaiʻi Association of Realtors

Bill 9 will not create housing. It will destroy the jobs of all the small business owners whose livelihood depends upon tourism.

— Campaign statements

Platform pillars

  • Repeal Bill 9
  • Cut costs & freeze fees
  • Forensic audit of county finances
  • Fast permitting
  • New Maui hospital

Where they stand

  • Bill 9

    Nuanced

    Would repeal. Argues it costs $60M+ in tax revenue without creating housing.

  • Housing

    Supports

    Build supply; first-time homebuyer fund redirecting revenues Bill 9 would eliminate.

  • Water

    Supports

    WHEN framework — Water, Housing, Economy, New Procedures; modernize pipes.

  • Permitting

    Supports

    Pre-approved templates (30-day permits); coordinated multi-agency reviews within 90 days.

  • Economy

    Nuanced

    Forensic audit Day 1; roll back fuel and registration fees; freeze refuse and water fees.

Career

  1. 1990–

    Maui resident; West Maui community advocate

  2. 2018–2023

    Maui County Planning Commission Chair

  3. —

    President, West Maui Community Task Force

  4. 2022

    Maui County Woman of Excellence – Mana Wahine