A political earthquake has sent ripples through the islands’ establishment as Pāʻele Kiakona has been elected to the Hawaii House of Representatives, marking the first time a third-party candidate has won a seat in the state legislature. Kiakona, a member of the Green Party, defeated Sne Patel in the 2026 general election for the 14th district, which includes parts of western Maui. He will be the only member of the Green Party to hold office in any state legislature.
A New Political Force in Hawaii
Kiakona's victory was significant not only for his party but also for Hawaii's politics. The election set up a three-way showdown between Kiakona, the incumbent Elle Cochran, and Patel. Cochran, who was initially the Democratic incumbent, switched her party affiliation to the Republican Party about a week after Kiakona announced his candidacy. In September 2026, Kiakona’s campaign earned a crucial endorsement, gaining backing from five major Hawaiian unions: the Hawaii Government Employees Association, ILWU Local 142, Hawaii State Teachers Association, United Public Workers, and UNITE HERE! Local 5. Local 5.
From Wildfire Survivor to Community Organizer
The story of Pāʻele Kiakona is deeply tied to the 2023 Hawaii wildfires. Born and raised in Lahaina, Maui, Kiakona is Native Hawaiian. In August 2023, he rode his bicycle from his residence in Honokohau Valley to his grandmother’s house in Lahaina—a home that was later razed—to alert her to the approaching wildfire. A post chronicling this trip gained widespread attention on social media. Following the disaster, Kiakona emerged as a key community organizer, serving as president of the Save Honolua Coalition and a leader of Lahaina Strong, where he pushed for stricter controls on short-term rental properties.
A Path to Public Service
Kiakona’s background includes a graduation from Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi Campus and work in the service industry prior to the 2023 wildfires. In May 2025, he was appointed to the Maui County Board of Water Supply. He announced his run for the Hawaii House of Representatives in March 2026. In the general election on November 3, 2026, Kiakona narrowly defeated Sne Patel with 41.1% of the vote. His election marks the fifth time a member of the Green Party has been elected to any state legislature. Source
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