Bobby Pahia, the Native Hawaiian kalo farmer running for Maui County Council's open Upcountry seat, has landed the endorsement of Operating Engineers Local 3, a union representing skilled heavy equipment operators, mechanics, and construction workers across Hawaiʻi and the Pacific. The backing adds another labor endorsement to a coalition already lining up behind Pahia as he prepares for a November rematch against fellow primary finisher Jon Yokouchi.
According to the campaign's announcement, reported by Maui Now, the endorsement reflects Pahia's ties to working families and his commitment to resilient infrastructure, local jobs, and the trades that keep Maui Nui moving. Willy Greig, speaking on behalf of the union, said, “Uncle Bobby is ready and willing to talk story and address the concerns of Maui Nui.” Pahia responded that he is honored to have the union's support, adding that Operating Engineers Local 3 members “build roads, maintain water systems, and keep communities safe.”
Operating Engineers Local 3 is a union representing skilled heavy-equipment operators, mechanics, and construction workers across Hawaiʻi and the Pacific, according to past Hoodline reporting on union endorsement activity in this year's Maui Council races. The union's role in the trades has also featured in coverage of this year's Maui Council races.
A Coalition Years in the Making
The endorsement joins a broader roster that already includes Sierra Club PAC, ILWU Local 142, UFCW 480, UPW, 350 Hawaiʻi, and HGEA, per the campaign's own account. Pahia's team says the Operating Engineers Local 3 backing marks an important milestone, arguing it highlights his ability to earn the trust of skilled-trade leaders and unite groups historically divided on political issues.
Pahia, a 70-year-old homesteader and founder of Hawaiʻi Taro Farm, has made his work in agriculture a centerpiece of his pitch to voters, alongside what his campaign describes as sustainable growth aligned with nature and aimed at empowering the community's collective voice.
“People may see some issues differently but share goals and passion to make Maui Nui better for residents,” Pahia said, adding that working together to find common ground is necessary. His campaign has framed that message as central to winning over voters across Maui's at-large electorate, which requires every council candidate to campaign countywide even while running for a district-specific seat like Upcountry, per the Office of Elections.
Why the Seat Matters Beyond Upcountry
The Upcountry seat opened up after five-term Council Vice Chair Yuki Lei Sugimura decided in January to challenge incumbent Richard Bissen for Maui Mayor rather than seek reelection, according to Maui Now's earlier reporting. Sugimura had held the seat since 2016, while the nine-member council has had a 5-4 split between a moderate or conservative-leaning majority and a progressive bloc, as detailed by Honolulu Civil Beat.
If Pahia wins, he has indicated he would likely align with that progressive bloc, potentially flipping the council's balance of power. On policy, Pahia has supported Maui's Bill 9, which would phase out thousands of short-term vacation rentals in apartment districts to free up long-term housing, while Yokouchi has advocated grandfathering resort-area vacation rentals in exchange for full hotel taxes and fees, Civil Beat reported.
Fundraising Lead, But a Consolidating Opponent
Pahia entered the general election with a substantial financial edge, having raised $55,595 through June 30 — including a $10,000 personal loan — compared to Yokouchi's $2,614 in self-funded spending, per Civil Beat's campaign finance review. Pahia also placed first in the August 8 primary with 14,360 votes, or 42.1%, while Yokouchi finished second to advance to November.
Yokouchi, listed as being from Kula, has made water a campaign issue, according to the same Civil Beat account. That priority echoes a related development Hoodline reported on new Upcountry wells earlier this month, tied to Native Hawaiian homestead lands.
Yokouchi's path narrowed slightly on September 8, when third-place primary finisher Derrick Cabiles and fourth-place candidate John B. Guard IV joined his campaign, Maui Now reported. That support could reshape the race as both candidates make their final push toward November.
