FrontrunnerBill 9: opposed

Yuki Lei Sugimura

Age 72 · Born and raised in Wailuku; lives in Kula, Upcountry

Five-term Maui County Council member (since 2016), currently Vice Chair and Chair of the Budget, Finance & Economic Development Committee. UH Mānoa graduate; former student body president at Baldwin High School. Known for “Talk Story” sessions at the Upcountry Farmers Market. Recognized as a fiscal conservative and infrastructure advocate on the council.

Council tenure

5 terms

Since 2016

2024 council vote

31,765 (60%)

Highest ever for a council candidate

Cash-on-hand vs Bissen

>2.5×

Campaign Spending Commission

Polling lead

2 of 3 polls

Pre-primary reporting

Policy alone doesn't build homes. Pipes, permits and pavement do.
— Campaign platform

Platform pillars

Pipes, Permits & Pavement
Fiscal responsibility
Permitting reform
Economic diversification
Accountability & transparency

Where they stand

Bill 9
Nuanced
One of three dissenting votes. Concerned about ~$60M annual property tax loss. Would not seek repeal but would minimize economic damage.
Housing
Supports
Infrastructure-first — cut average permit time from 300 days; self-certification within 60 days.
Water
Supports
Water infrastructure as part of pipes, permits, and pavement.
Permitting
Supports
Self-certification if a permit is not approved within 60 days.
Lahaina recovery
Nuanced
Believes businesses should have been rebuilt alongside homes so jobs would be ready when residents return.

Career

—
Field Representative for Sens. Daniel Akaka and Mazie Hirono
—
Founder, Connec LLC (event management)
2016–
Maui County Council (Upcountry); Vice Chair; Budget Committee Chair