Frontrunner
Richard T. Bissen Jr.
Lifelong Maui Nui resident (Pāʻia, Piʻihana, Keʻanae, Kahakuloa)
- Housing for kamaʻāina
- Water as public trust
- Wildfire recovery & resilience
Candidates
Ten candidates filed for Maui County mayor. Three have full profiles based on extensive public coverage. Field candidates are listed respectfully for civic completeness. Prominence reflects reported standing, not endorsement.
Leading the race
Frontrunner
Yuki Lei Sugimura
Born and raised in Wailuku; lives in Kula, Upcountry
- Pipes, Permits & Pavement
- Fiscal responsibility
- Permitting reform
Credible third
P. Denise La Costa
Originally from Longview, WA; Maui resident since 1990
- Repeal Bill 9
- Cut costs & freeze fees
- Forensic audit of county finances
Also on the ballot
Brief listings only — minimal realistic path to winning based on public reporting, included for completeness.
John Dunbar
On the ballotHaʻikū
Claims a 20-year Navy SEAL career; wants youth government; proposed a zip line across a busy highway near Kūlanihākoʻi High School for student safety.
Justin Herrmann
On the ballotLahaina
Midwest transplant; known for Hungry Heroes Hawaiʻi (COVID and wildfire feeding program).
Travis Liggett
On the ballotMakawao
Former NASA engineer; wastewater single-issue advocate; nickname "Travi-poo" self-given; openly not running to win.
Joseph Moses
On the ballotKahului
Not U.S.-born; advocates returning land to Native Hawaiians; describes himself as "the voice of the people."
Amy Petterson
On the ballotKula
Youngest candidate (class of 2020, King Kekaulike HS); fifth-generation Maui Nui resident; advocates Water Bunds / Earth Smiles water-retention earthworks used in Kenya and Tanzania.
Callahan Welsh
On the ballotKīhei
Working stand-up comedian; recently performed at HaHa Comedy Club in North Hollywood.
Laurent Zahnd
On the ballotKahului
Repeat candidate (108 votes in the 2018 primary out of ~34,000 cast); Hawaiian sovereignty and historical genocide focus.