Hawaii’s 2026 election and climate choices will reshape its future
Hawaii faces a year of major decisions in 2026, with elections, economic shifts, and ongoing debates over housing and infrastructure. The state will also grapple with climate adaptation funding as officials weigh changes to voting systems and rail expansion.
The 2026 election cycle will be one of the busiest in recent years. Voters will choose candidates for two U.S. House seats, the governor and lieutenant governor, 14 state Senate positions, all 51 state House seats, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. County races include mayors for Maui and Kauai, along with multiple council seats. Governor Josh Green has confirmed he will run for a second term rather than pursue a presidential bid.
In-person voting remains a point of contention. Lawmakers will discuss scrapping mail-in ballots and returning to a single day of polling, despite warnings about longer queues and delayed results. The Legislature appears unlikely to adopt this change, however. Economic forecasts suggest a slowdown in 2026, influenced by federal policies and a rising minimum wage. To address climate challenges, Hawaii will begin collecting extra tax revenue from hotel stays. Meanwhile, Maui’s County Council has approved a measure converting short-term vacation rentals into long-term housing for residents. Honolulu’s rail project will push forward, with potential extensions to Kapolei, Ala Moana, or the University of Hawaii. The Army’s land lease negotiations, set to expire in 2029, may drag on, with eminent domain as a possible outcome if talks stall.
The coming year will shape Hawaii’s political and economic landscape for years. Decisions on voting methods, infrastructure, and housing will directly affect residents, while election results determine leadership at every level. Climate funding and lease disputes add further complexity to the state’s agenda.
