The Maui News

WAILUKU–The Chamber of Maui Political Action Committee (COMPAC), a non-partisan non-sectarian committee who handles “the Maui Chamber’s candidate endorsement process,” announced the chamber’s “business-friendly” endorsements for the state of Hawaii, and the Maui County races this year.

The two candidates in each race who received the most votes in the Primary Election for the State races, and all Maui County Council candidates were contacted following the Primary Election and invited to participate in the COMPAC endorsement process.

Candidates who are running unopposed in the General Election were not contacted. Incumbent candidates were asked to provide newsletters and other materials showcasing their achievements over the past two years and non-incumbent candidates were asked to complete a short, written questionnaire on their background, accomplishments, and experience.

Candidates interested in the process then participated in a Zoom or in-person interview with the committee, with questions based on Chamber positions, priorities, values, and current issues.

Candidates must meet the minimum score to be endorsed and deemed business-friendly, even if it means that no endorsement is made in a given race. Electability and experience are considered in the overall discussion on endorsement. The committee sought business-friendly candidates based on their priorities, understanding of business issues, plans and solutions, willingness to work with the Chamber, and prior performance (if an incumbent) or their community achievements described in their questionnaire response (if a non-incumbent).

COMPAC endorsed the following individuals in this year’s election and encouraged the public to vote for them in the upcoming General Election.

COMPAC reminded the public that they can vote for all Maui County Council races, not just for those running in your district.

State Senator, District 6 – Angus L.K. McKelvey (D)

State Senator, District 7 – Lynn Pualani DeCoite (D)

State Representative, District 11 – Terez (T.Amato) Amato (D)

State Representative, District 12 – Kyle T. Yamashita (D)

Maui Councilmember – West Maui – Lorien (Lolo) Acquintas

Maui Councilmember – Wailuku-Waihee-Waikapu – Alice L. Lee

Maui Councilmember – Kahului – Tasha Kama

Maui Councilmember – South Maui – Tom Cook

Maui Councilmember – Makawao-Haiku-Paia – Nohe U’u-Hodgins

Maui Councilmember – Upcountry – Yuki Lei Kashiwa Sugimura

Maui Councilmember – Molokai – John Pele

The COMPAC process is inclusive. They reach out to each candidate a minimum of five times in a variety of ways, including phone calls/texts, emails, and mailed letters, based on their published contact information in the candidate report to encourage all candidates to participate in the process., according to the organization

While the committee understands that not all candidates will align with the Chamber’s positions, they greatly appreciated those who participated in the process and the opportunity to get to know the candidates, exchange ideas and priorities, and find common ground. The following candidates let us know that they chose not to participate in the process: Elle Cochran (State), Nara Boone (County), and Tamara Paltin (County). The following candidates did not respond to us despite our many requests: Keani Rawlins-Fernandez (County), Kelly Armstrong (State), Mahina Poepoe (State), and Scott Adam (State).

Running for office is not an easy job and the Chamber appreciates each candidate’s interest in serving our community. By running, they give residents more choices to choose from and help raise awareness of and spur discussion on issues important to us all.

“On behalf of the Chamber, we want to thank all COMPAC members who invested a tremendous amount of time engaging in this process after the Primary Election. They worked diligently to put forth these business-friendly candidates. With the many high priority needs our community faces, including attainable housing and rentals, economic recovery and diversity, small business assistance, and support for those impacted by the August 8 wildfires, it is critical to elect strong, business-friendly leaders who will make a positive difference in our community, said Pamela Tumpap, president of the Maui Chamber of Commerce. “We ask the community to refer to these endorsements when completing their mail in ballots this election and help elect these business-friendly candidates for a stronger, more sustainable county that addresses resident needs now and moving forward, while creating opportunities for future generations.”