ENDORSEMENTS
Proven Leadership That Delivers for Maui Nui
Under Mayor Richard Bissen’s leadership, the County of Maui has delivered significant progress with clear results for residents across Maui Nui.
December 5, 2025
Ironworkers Stabilization Fund and Iron Workers Union Local 625
The Bissen 2026 Campaign announced that the Ironworkers Stabilization Fund and Iron Workers Union Local 625 have issued the first formal endorsement for the re-election of Mayor Richard Bissen, affirming their confidence in his steady leadership and long-term commitment to Hawai‘i’s working families.
In their official endorsement letter, Iron Workers Union Hawaii emphasized Mayor Bissen’s resolute focus on Maui’s most critical economic and social challenges, including:
🔸 Affordable Housing Solutions — a commitment to stable, local housing for the island’s workforce and families.
🔸 Preventing Family Exodus — policies designed to lower the cost of living and keep kamaʻāina families rooted in their home communities.
🔸 Economic Opportunity — support for higher-paying, career-track jobs that strengthen the local economy and uplift local workers.
The union praised Mayor Bissen’s results-driven approach and emphasized that his vision for Maui is one of resilience, equity, and opportunity — a vision they believe is essential for the future of the county.
“I’m humbled by the trust of the Iron Workers,” said Mayor Richard Bissen. “These are the men and women who show up early, work with skill and intention, and build the places our families rely on every day. I was raised to respect people who do the hana with heart — and I carry that with me in this work.”
“This endorsement is not something I take lightly,” Bissen added. “We share the same belief: the people who build Hawai‘i should be able to live in Hawai‘i. That’s why we’ve focused on keeping housing local, lowering the cost of living, and protecting our ʻohana from being pushed away. We’ll continue this work — together — with dignity and with kuleana.”
December 8, 2025
The Hawaii Government Employees Association (HGEA)
The Hawaii Government Employees Association (HGEA), the largest public-sector union in Hawai‘i, announced its endorsement of Mayor Richard Bissen in his 2026 re-election campaign.
HGEA represents 35,000 state and county public employees — including 3,500 in Maui County — spanning supervisory, clerical, professional, educational and emergency services roles across the islands. Their decision to support Mayor Bissen reflects shared values of public service, respect for working families and a strong commitment to Hawai‘i’s communities.
“Mayor Bissen has shown a refreshing level of collaboration with our union that makes him stand out from other public-sector employers,” said HGEA Executive Director Randy Perreira. “His administration resolves grievances fairly, keeps an open door, and has worked with us to secure much-needed gains in pay and benefits for the working families we represent. His commitment to working people is why HGEA is proud to endorse him for a second term.”
In endorsing Bissen, HGEA affirmed its confidence in his record of supporting public-sector workers, protecting employee rights and benefits, and strengthening communities — values at the heart of the union’s mission.
“I am deeply honored by HGEA’s endorsement,” said Mayor Bissen. “Our public workers are the backbone of this county, and I’m grateful for the partnership we’ve built to support them and their families. I will carry this trust with humility and a steadfast commitment to service — to our people, our ʻohana, and our islands. Together, we will continue strengthening Maui County with a focus on fairness, respect for our workforce, and decisions rooted in community.”
The Bissen 2026 Campaign welcomes HGEA’s support, recognizing the union’s decades-long service to Hawai‘i’s public workforce and its dedication to the government employees who serve our communities every day.
December 12, 2025
International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 142
The Bissen 2026 campaign expressed deep gratitude for the endorsement of Mayor Richard T. Bissen Jr. by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 142, recognizing the trust and confidence of working people across Maui County.
ILWU Local 142 represents approximately 16,000 workers statewide across tourism, longshore, healthcare, agriculture, and general trades. The endorsement reflects shared values rooted in the dignity of work, community responsibility, and standing up for local families.
“I’m deeply honored to receive the endorsement of ILWU Local 142,” said Mayor Bissen. “Their members understand the value of hard work and dedication, and the responsibility that comes with providing for their families and serving our community. I’m grateful for their trust, and I intend to honor it by continuing to serve working families with care, fairness, and consistency.”
ILWU Local 142 cited Mayor Bissen’s steady leadership through Maui’s most challenging moments, including the aftermath of the Lahaina wildfires, as well as his continued focus on housing affordability, water stewardship, and policies that put local people first.
“For Maui Division members, this endorsement is personal. We’ve seen Mayor Bissen’s leadership up close—from the days and months after the Lahaina fires to the tough decisions on housing and water that shape our future”, said ILWU Maui Division Director Stephen West. “He listens, he collaborates, and he shows up to fight for what our communities need. Mayor Bissen has earned the trust of working people on Maui, and we’re proud to support his re-election.”
Mayor Bissen remains focused on housing, recovery, well-being, economic diversification and growth, and protecting cultural and natural resources.
April 8, 2026
IBEW 1186 – National Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
“In times of challenge and recovery, Mayor Bissen has approached leadership with steadiness and a clear sense of responsibility. His willingness to engage with labor partners and prioritize the needs of working people makes him a leader we can trust.” - Damien T.K. Kim | Business Manager & Financial Secretary, IBEW 1186.
Mahalo, IBEW 1186, for your endorsement!
April 17, 2026
Operating Engineers Local Union No. 3
“Operating Engineers Local Union No. 3 is proud to stand behind Mayor Bissen in his run for re-election. A born and raised Maui boy, dedicated to his community and people. A hard-working, compassionate, smart, and fair leader addressing Maui’s infrastructure and housing crisis through collaboration and critical decision-making. A true leader for the island’s local workforce and local families to help uplift and strengthen the local economy for years to come.” - Ana Tuiasosopo | Hawaii District Representative, Operating Engineers Local Union No. 3
Mahalo Operating Engineers Local Union No.3 for your support! Not Pau Yet!