Kauaʻi Mayor Derek Kawakami seems to have his sights set on running for a position at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol after he terms out in 2026. In September, Kauaʻi Now reported that the campaign office for Kawakami said he intends to run for Hawaiʻi Senate District 8 in 2026 – and has the support of the current seat holder, Senate President Ron Kouchi.