Maui County mayoral candidate Yuki Lei Sugimura (center, right) poses for a photo with Dione Kalaola, (from left) Trisha Taketa, Eric Reiny, Travis Murakami and Mark Anthony Clemente.
Courtesy photo

The Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters has endorsed Yuki Lei Sugimura for Maui County mayor.

Sugimura’s campaign announced the endorsement from the state’s largest construction union Friday. Sugimua currently serves as vice-chair for the Maui County Council.

“Yuki Lei Sugimura has consistently demonstrated the political will and practical know-how to get results,” Ron Taketa, executive secretary-treasurer of the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters, said in a statement. “Through her work on the County Council, she has proven her commitment to tackling the tough issues. She is the partner our members need, and we’re proud to support a leader who is committed to putting local craftspeople to work to deliver housing so local families can afford to stay and thrive across Maui Nui,”

Sugimura, who chairs the council’s Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee, welcomed the endorsement.

“The hardworking men and women of the HRCC help build and maintain the infrastructure our communities depend on every day,” Sugimura said. “This endorsement reflects our shared commitment to responsible construction that supports a strong economy, creates well-paying local jobs and improves quality of life for our residents. By streamlining permitting and investing in core infrastructure, we can put our skilled tradespeople to work building the affordable housing Maui Nui urgently needs.”