Mahalo Hawai’i
Announcement from Sylvia Luke Campaign, April 19, 2026
“This weekend, after a long discussion with my family and close friends, I decided not to seek re-election to a second term as Lieutenant Governor.
“It was a difficult decision. Serving the people of Hawaii has been an honor, and my family has always been supportive of my passion for this work. But the last three months have been difficult, making the rigors of campaigning exceptionally burdensome for my family. While I have always been a fighter, I cannot tolerate the toll that they are paying.
“I intend to continue doing the job I was elected to do, offering my best effort to the people of Hawaii every day.”
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QUESTION: Since Luke is not resigning, will Josh Green stay in Hawaii until the next LG is sworn in?
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HNN: Following Luke’s announcement, Gov. Josh Green said in a statement he acknowledged and respected Luke’s decision not to seek reelection.
“I acknowledge and respect the decision that the Lieutenant Governor has made to not seek reelection. Sylvia’s longevity of service to the state for more than two decades leaves no doubt how much she cares about the people of Hawaii. For more than three years as LG, Sylvia has made great progress in helping our keiki get access to universal preschool, something that has helped many local families.”
Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami, who announced his bid for the lieutenant governor seat in March, released a statement that said:
“I respect Sylvia’s decision and deeply appreciate her nearly three decades of public service to Hawaii. She has dedicated so much to our state, and I am grateful for her commitment and contributions to the people of Hawaii.”
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Poll: Kawakami Beats Luke 54%-26%
CB April 19, 2026: … The first was done March 25-31 by For A Better Tomorrow, the Pacific Resource Partnership/Carpenters Union super PAC that is hoping to oust Luke in the Democratic primary. Sample size was 800 likely Democratic primary voters statewide via landline, cellphone and online surveys with a margin of error of 3.5 percentage points.
The poll, by Tulchin Research, has Kawakami at 54% to Luke’s 26% with 19% undecided. The narrative accompanying the numbers suggests the research shows that Kawakami is relatively well known statewide (which had been a question given what happened the last time a Kauaʻi mayor ran for statewide office) and that while Luke is better known, Kawakami is better liked.
“In conclusion, the poll shows Derek Kawakami entering the Democratic primary for Lieutenant Governor in a commanding position, anchored by a decisive lead and a strong well-defined profile,” the poll says.
A second poll conducted April 6-9 for Kawakami’s own campaign puts him at 55% to Luke’s 19% with 27% undecided.
That one included 600 statewide likely Democratic primary voters collected with a similar methodology with a margin of error of 4 percentage points.
This survey, by the national polling firm Panterra, also asked if Luke should be reelected or if voters prefer a different candidate, no matter who. Nearly half, 49%, want someone else, 23% said she should be returned to office and 28% said they’re not sure….
PDF: Tulchin HI LG Poll Memo-04.26 | DocumentCloud
PDF: Panterra Kawakami Baseline 15Apr26 | DocumentCloud
Read … The Sunshine Blog: What About No Gut-And-Replace Is So Hard To Understand? - Honolulu Civil Beat
BACKGROUND: What if Sylvia Luke is Telling the Truth?
FLASHBACK: Bribery: HGEA Joins Unions Behind Luke--Charges 'Inconsequential'
COVERAGE: