Emphasizing that his goal was to choose a leader who aligns with Maui district voters, Mayor Richard Bissen today announced that he is appointing Kauanoe Batangan to fill the Maui County Council Kahului residency area seat vacancy. Batangan will assume office as of Jan. 1, 2026, due to transitional time over the holidays.

“It was important to select someone who reflects the voter’s choice and honor their intent for this term,” Mayor Bissen said. “Kauanoe Batangan’s legislative experience, professional background, and education position him well to serve the community through the rest of the Council session.”

Mayor Bissen interviewed candidates at length over weeks leading up to the decision.

“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,” Mayor Bissen added. “Each demonstrated admirable qualities and a genuine dedication to serving their community.”

The vacancy on the nine-member Maui County Council for the remainder of the 2025-27 term was left by the passing of Councilmember Natalie “Tasha” Kama on Oct. 26, 2025. Council was unable to reach an agreement on a successor Nov. 25, 2025, and per County Charter, the decision then went to Mayor Bissen.

“I am humbled and grateful to be appointed to the Maui County Council. I deeply appreciate the support of Mayor Bissen and Councilmember Kama for trusting me to serve the people of Maui County for the rest of this term,” Batangan said. “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. 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.”

Batangan currently serves as the Executive Director of the Maui Metropolitan Planning Organization (Maui MPO), a public agency that conducts transportation planning and coordinates federal highway and transit investments on Maui island. Previously, he was the County of Maui Department of Transportation Deputy Director. In the aftermath of the devastating 2023 Maui wildfires, he served as a manager in the County of Maui Office of Recovery.

Batangan is an aliʻi in the Royal Order of Kamehameha I and founder of the Daniel K. Akaka Congressional Fellowship. He has served on a range of boards and commissions including Common Cause Hawaiʻi, the Maui County Charter Commission and the Maui Historical Society.

The Maui native has two master’s degrees – one in public administration from Columbia University and one in public policy from the University of Tokyo. He graduated from Kamehameha Schools Maui in 2008 and went on to obtain his bachelor’s degree in political science from Stanford University.

Batangan lives in Kahului with his wife and two young children.

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