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Maui Elections 2026

Issues

Water

Public trust stewardship, aging pipes, and cultural water rights — a shared priority with different approaches.

All major candidates treat public water stewardship as a priority. Differences are about ownership models, infrastructure investment sequencing, and how cultural rights are respected in practice.

Where leading candidates stand

  • Richard T. Bissen Jr.

    Supports

    Water as public trust; committed to bringing water systems under public ownership.

  • Yuki Lei Sugimura

    Supports

    Water infrastructure as part of “pipes, permits, and pavement.”

  • P. Denise La Costa

    Supports

    WHEN framework — multi-source resilient water system; replace old pipes; respect cultural rights.