Big Island Election 2026

County councili candidates for District 7 – Eddie Ombac, Manu Powers and Mark Henriques – will be answering questions from residents at a meet-and-greet on Sunday.

Hawai‘i Gov. Josh Green, Hawai‘i County Mayor Kimo Alameda will headline the pre-election event, which will be campaign central July 25 with dozens of Democratic candidates making their cases to voters before ballots arrive for the Aug. 8 state primary elections.

There once again is a unique variety of events and activities coming up during the next week, promising a ton of fun for keiki to kūpuna; check out our top 10 things to do on the Big Island now!

“It may seem like a small change, but [automatic voter registration] will help modernize our election system, reduce administrative costs, improve the accuracy of voter rolls and make it easier for residents to participate in the democratic process. When more people have access to voting, our democracy is stronger,” said Oʻahu state Sen. Stanley Chang, chairperson of Hawaiʻi Senate Housing Committee and lawmaker who introduced the automatic voter registration measure.

Office plans statewide congressional debate and trustee candidate forums.

In Hawaiʻi for the 2026 elections, the primary will be held on Aug. 8 and the general election on Nov. 3.

Four of the nine seats are open with three council members unable to run due to term limits and a fourth member deciding not to seek re-election.

Prospective candidates are encouraged to review the 2026 Hawaiʻi Candidate’s Manual.

Verifying accurate and current voter registration information is necessary to ensure voters receive a ballot in the mail.

‘Aloha Bricks ’26: Stories of Hawaiʻi’ exhibit also includes other LEGO-inspired creations that all will take over Castle Memorial Building beginning March 14.

Music is in the air this week as several venues around the island are hosting concerts, live bands and even dance shows featuring a variety of tunes in several different styles; but that’s not all — check out this week’s top 10 now!

Those interested in serving in the vacant commission seat should submit an application along with a résumé and three letters of recommendation attesting to the applicant’s character and integrity no later than March 13.

Non-partisan HOKU PAC will work to elect leaders throughout Hawaiʻi who advance equality, protect civil rights and ensure all people — regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation or background — can live with dignity, safety and respect.

Hawai‘i Department of Education says it made the decision to implement new regulations governing the use of these popular modes of transportation on its sites out of safety concerns for students.

“Our priority is to engage with the community, continue the momentum and ensure that conservative and independent-minded voters have a seat at the table,” said new West Hawai‘i GOP Chairperson Monique Perreira.

A peaceful protest is scheduled for 5 p.m. Feb. 5 along Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway, south of Henry Street, near The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints temple.

Chief Jusice Mark E. Recktenwald will use his time to do an overview of the court system’s achievements and priorities.

A new session of the Hawai‘i Legislature begins today and so does the next public service chapter of a former Hawai‘i County Council member.

Mayor-elect Kimo Alameda, Prosecuting Attorney-elect Kelden Waltjen and members of the Hawaiʻi County Council will be sworn in. If you can’t make it in person, the ceremony is also being livestreamed. Alameda, Waltjen and incoming Council Chairman Holeka Inaba will give remarks.

Former Hawai‘i state legislator, U.S. congresswoman from Hawai‘i, 2020 Democratic presidential candidate and ex-Democrat Gabbard is helping lead the process for the president-elect’s return to the White House; says if given the opportunity to raise Hawai‘i concerns to him while in her role, she will “take every advantage of that.”