Maui Mayor Makes Appointment To Fill Vacant Council Seat
Starting. Jan. 1, Kauanoe Batangan will fill the Kahului residency seat left vacant by the late Tasha Kama.
Maui Mayor Richard Bissen on Tuesday appointed Kauanoe Batangan to fill the seat on the County Council that was left vacant Oct. 26 by the death of Kahului area representative Tasha Kama.
The divided council was unable to agree on who to appoint by a Nov. 25 deadline, so by county charter that decision was passed on to the mayor.
“It was important to select someone who reflects the voter’s choice and honor their intent for this term,” Bissen said in a news release. “Kauanoe Batangan’s legislative experience, professional background, and education position him well to serve the community through the rest of the Council session.”
In her final hours, Kama requested the appointment of Batangan, who currently serves as executive director of the Maui Metropolitan Planning Organization, to fill the remainder of her two-year term on the nine-member council, according to a statement from her family.
Batangan will take office Jan. 1 due to the holidays, a county news release says.
The other top candidate, Carol Lee Kamekona, who is seeking election next fall, is a Navy veteran and longtime community organizer. She works in council member Shane Sinenci’s office, and was runner-up to Kama in last year’s election.
“All of the candidates were qualified and willing to serve in this role, and I am deeply appreciative of their willingness to take on this incredible responsibility,” Bissen said. “Each demonstrated admirable qualities and a genuine dedication to serving their community.”
Batangan said in the release that he was humbled and grateful for the appointment.
“I come to this role with an unwavering commitment to listen to our community, work collaboratively, and prioritize the well-being of our ʻāina and kamaʻāina,” he said. “I look forward to working diligently with my colleagues on the tough issues in front of the Council and to carry out the vision that voters supported by electing the late Councilmember.”
Prior to his post at the Maui Metropolitan Planning Organization, which focuses on the county’s transportation needs, Batangan served as Bissen’s deputy transportation director. He was also a manager in the county’s Office of Recovery after the 2023 wildfires.
Batangan worked in D.C. for a few years as an aide to the late U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka and then-U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. He lost a 2018 bid for a state House seat against Rep. Justin Woodson.
Civil Beat’s coverage of Maui County is supported in part by a grant from the Nuestro Futuro Foundation.
