Former Maui County mayors Linda Lingle, Alan Arakawa and Charmaine Tavares are endorsing Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen in his reelection campaign.

In a Tuesday news release, Bissen welcomed the endorsements from Lingle, who also served as Hawaii governor from 2002 to 2010, as well as Arakawa and Tavares.

“To receive the support of leaders who have each carried the responsibility of serving as Maui County mayor is an incredible honor,” Bissen said. “They understand the weight of this office, the difficult decisions it requires and the responsibility we have to always put our people first, especially during this crucial chapter in Maui County history.”

In a statement, Lingle described Bissen as a “protector of this community,” citing his experience as a prosecutor, judge and mayor.

“Those qualities were tested during the deadliest disaster in Hawaii’s history, and he led with strength, integrity and resolve,” Lingle said. “Under his leadership, the county has transformed its emergency management capabilities into a nationally recognized model for preparedness and resilience that will help protect our community for generations to come.”

Arakawa praised Bissen’s efforts to address Maui County’s housing shortage, and Tavares said Bissen has demonstrated the leadership needed to guide Maui County through long-term recovery, including working with local, state and federal agencies, nonprofit organizations and the community.

According to the campaign, former Maui County Mayor James “Kimo” Apana is not issuing endorsements because he serves on the Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission and remains politically neutral. Former Mayor Michael Victorino also has chosen to remain neutral at this time, the release said.

On Sunday, Bissen’s campaign announced an endorsement from the United Public Workers Political Action Committee.

In that news release, Kalani Werner, state director of United Public Workers, AFSCME Local 646, AFL-CIO, said that if reelected, Bissen’s record would help improve the lives of union members and their families and added that the union looks forward to working with him on shared priorities.

Other labor organizations backing Bissen include the Hawaii Government Employees Association and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union.

For more information, visit bissen2026.com.