Skip to content
Maui Elections 2026

Issues

Lahaina recovery

Homes rebuilt, jobs returning, and disagreement over who is accountable for the pace of recovery after the August 8, 2023 wildfire.

As of early 2026 reporting: about 128 homes rebuilt in Lahaina and Kula; roughly 300 under construction. Obstacles include tariff-driven construction cost increases, insurance shortfalls, grant eligibility limits, and ongoing lawsuit delays.

All major candidates acknowledge recovery has been slower than desired; they disagree on who is to blame and what to prioritize next. Coverage of Lahaina is treated with gravity appropriate to a community that suffered catastrophic loss.

Where leading candidates stand

  • Richard T. Bissen Jr.

    Nuanced

    Created the Office of Recovery; secured $1.6 billion in federal disaster relief; defending administration pace.

  • Yuki Lei Sugimura

    Opposes

    Believes businesses should have been rebuilt alongside homes so jobs would be ready when residents return.

  • P. Denise La Costa

    Nuanced

    Prioritize infrastructure so businesses can reopen and residents can return with livelihoods.