Elections 2026

Will Hawaiʻi Voters Once Again See Long Lines On Election Day? David Croxford/Civil Beat/2024

Will Hawaiʻi Voters Once Again See Long Lines On Election Day?

Voters may be forced to wait in line this election season after the death of legislation that would have funded more county voter service centers.

‘Pretty Unusual’: Big Changes Are Possible At The Kauaʻi County Council Noelle Fujii-Oride/Civil Beat/2026

‘Pretty Unusual’: Big Changes Are Possible At The Kauaʻi County Council

With four open seats, this election presents a chance for better gender and geographic diversity.

Kaua‘i Mayor Kawakami To Challenge Luke For Lieutenant Governor Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2020

Kaua‘i Mayor Kawakami To Challenge Luke For Lieutenant Governor

The term-limited mayor announced his run for the state’s second-highest office as Luke faces scrutiny in campaign finance investigation.

Kauaʻi Mayor Campaign Fundraising: Rapozo Outpacing Carvalho Chad Blair/Civil Beat/2026

Kauaʻi Mayor Campaign Fundraising: Rapozo Outpacing Carvalho

County Council Chair Mel Rapozo is raising and spending more money than his council colleague Bernard Carvalho Jr. in their bid to be Kauaʻi’s next mayor.

Maui Housing Policy Divides Top Candidates For Mayor This Election Marina Riker/Civil Beat/2022

Maui Housing Policy Divides Top Candidates For Mayor This Election

Maui County Council member Yuki Lei Sugimura is trying to unseat Mayor Richard Bissen in a closely watched race this election.

The State Capitol Is Buzzing About This  Prominent Hawaiʻi Lawmaker Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2024

The State Capitol Is Buzzing About This Prominent Hawaiʻi Lawmaker

Longtime Sen. Michelle Kidani may be leaving office early amid concerns about whether she is mentally fit.

Taxes Will Drive Agenda Of Hawaiʻi Lawmakers In Coming Session David Croxford/Civil Beat/2025

Taxes Will Drive Agenda Of Hawaiʻi Lawmakers In Coming Session

Federal actions cloud the revenue picture. Immigration, marijuana and energy issues also loom.

Domestic Abuse Allegations Prompt Democrats To Scuttle Legislative Nominee Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi

Domestic Abuse Allegations Prompt Democrats To Scuttle Legislative Nominee

The party has pulled back its nomination of Inam Rahman of Waipahu as one of three choices to fill a legislative vacancy.

Kaua‘i Voters Could Decide Whether Gated Communities Should Be Banned Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2024

Kaua‘i Voters Could Decide Whether Gated Communities Should Be Banned

That’s one of several proposals the Charter Review Commission may put on the ballot next fall, along with increasing oversight of the County Council’s budget.

Hawaiʻi’s Biggest Public Worker Union Makes Early Endorsement For Maui Mayor Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2025

Hawaiʻi’s Biggest Public Worker Union Makes Early Endorsement For Maui Mayor

Political analysts say the move could deter potential challengers in the race.