Elle Cochran

Eleanora Kellett Cochran is an American politician who serves in the Hawaii House of Representatives representing the 14th district, which includes the areas of Wai'ehu, Waihe'e, Kahakuloa, Honokahua, Kahana, Mahinahina Camp, Ka'anapali, Lahaina, Lahainaluna, Olowalu and portions of Ma'alaea. She won the seat in the 2022 election as the Democratic nominee, but defected to the Republican Party in 2026.

Career

Cochran was a Maui County councilmember for 8 years, from 2011 to 2018. In 2018, she ran for Mayor of Maui County and lost to Mike Victorino.

On March 16, 2026, she changed her party identification from Democrat to Republican, citing a need for "stronger advocacy and a louder voice" following the Maui wildfires.

She is the founder of the Save Honolua Coalition. She serves as Dame Commander, Royal Order of the Crown, for Owana Salazar. She has also earned certification as a court mediator.

Personal life Her husband, Wayne, owns the Maui Surfboards store in Honokowai. In 1993, she attempted to rob a group of tourists in Lahaina Cannery Mall at gunpoint, resulting in a felony conviction. She has a black belt in Taekwondo.