[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6655190,"mediaKeyId","5419104-fc0b2deef7086a279505afe20e6a24bd","parentId",5419104,"title","Elections commission forms task force to investigate chain-of-custody complaints after public pressure","audioSeconds",5014,"startMs",5698000,"endMs",10712000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5419104-fc0b2deef7086a279505afe20e6a24bd&start=5698&end=10712","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5419104-fc0b2deef7086a279505afe20e6a24bd/thumbnail_5698000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6655190/Hawaii/Elections-commission-forms-task-force-to-investigate-chain-of-custody-complaints-after-public-pressure","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6655190-c6b7e10bdfab3f540e40961a3dcc0fb1/orig.mp4?Expires=1773106803&Signature=G53kEmc0VEuTZv1Osfb6OpDlqZn2hXZrR0Asycw1dTNG~Zk8BNJU8bwe3v~ql7wKzbpCNPfQdFiw3KxNDWYG1aGbuJNJYS6VMmhUU7BQ3oYDwD5z-7XIWEERxGXNo~BsqjNmHoNt7~msqJ4Pwk9913S7EcyceOBtt1i9vZaN7IaK~ak5jOTyuBMhAzzYQTOZ7bH2PQPLrwQ2RwhEGsKs9Lv-rWwt9EAzDOWGMFxSduxnPD0balHdAr-rNRo9gjrK72xogdKj2I~-~-dTr0lWxPDc8~XsWwOUGFB6ZZyD1YvFmkE0nfrtYWgVvBk-IQyY8dYCzvycpC2kwWpkXBPbMA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Hawaii - Office of Elections","date","2025-07-17T07:47:10.633Z","article","The Hawaii Elections Commission voted to establish a permitted interaction group — a temporary task force — to investigate complaints related to chain of custody for ballots, including discrepancies reported in several county vote totals from the 2024 elections.

After extensive public testimony alleging ballot handling irregularities, Commissioner Dylan Andrian was named chair of the new task force and Commissioners Lindsay Kam and Ralph Kushni were appointed as members. The motion to form the group passed on a roll call with seven votes in favor and one opposed.

Public testifiers urged a thorough investigation. Several speakers referenced numerical discrepancies: testifiers and commission members cited a difference of 19,042 ballots on the Big Island between county collection records and statewide totals and reporting of roughly 1,500–3,000 unaccounted ballots on Kauai. Commissioner Kushni told the commission he believed ballots had been “inserted electronically” and asked for a task force that would gather evidence and report back. He said, in the meeting transcript, “Scott Nago has been caught inserting ballots electronically,” attributing that allegation to his review of records and asking the commission to investigate.

Other members and speakers asked for a transparent, documented process for the task force and for any findings to be reported publicly. Several speakers suggested independent audits and subpoena authority if necessary to obtain records from county election offices or the Office of Elections.

Roll-call on the motion to form a permitted interaction group to investigate chain of custody (as captured during the meeting): Commissioner Dylan Andrian — Yes; Commissioner Ralph Kushni — Yes; Commissioner Lindsay Cam — Yes; Commissioner Claire McAdam — Yes; Commissioner Jeffrey Osterkamp — No; Commissioner Kaheolani Papalimu — Yes; Commissioner Peter Young — Yes; Chair Michael Curtis — Yes. The chair announced the motion passes.

The commission asked the new group to collect relevant records, review county chain-of-custody forms, compare county collection documentation with statewide tallies and prepare a report for the full commission at a future meeting. Commissioners discussed possible remote work by the group and a target for reporting back within weeks; the group’s exact schedule and any request for subpoenas or external audits were left to the task force to recommend.

Ending

The task force’s formation represented the commission’s strongest step at the meeting to date toward responding to public allegations about ballot handling. The investigation’s next steps — document collection, possible subpoenas and the task force’s findings — will shape whether the commission recommends further administrative or legislative action.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Elections Commission Meeting - July 16, 2024","oneSentenceSummary","The Hawaii Elections Commission voted to create a permitted interaction group to investigate chain-of-custody complaints about ballots, including discrepancies reported on Kauai and the Big Island; the vote was 7‑1.","taxTitle","Office of Elections, Executive , Hawaii","taxId",26065,"location","Hawaii","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6655195,"Commission split 4-4 on motion to refer 14 complaints to Office of Elections; public urges investigations",2506,3094000,5600000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5419104-fc0b2deef7086a279505afe20e6a24bd&start=3094&end=5600","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5419104-fc0b2deef7086a279505afe20e6a24bd/thumbnail_3094000.jpg","/articles/6655195/Hawaii/Commission-split-4-4-on-motion-to-refer-14-complaints-to-Office-of-Elections-public-urges-investigations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6655195-9575e0bd89be13adcc5cb235803b8b3d/orig.mp4?Expires=1773106803&Signature=ZqHcXU4KqB4Eq3LpG-8ZuILzoP3Og8g6D~dp~NJ85tJBDFBpc9qMwoHdRYavMKCg8oeS9TfsEhhnhMp-i5iH8QcpgWr96fjBhfXDhjieSJSU3gsLHU0N4p47kfbajL6dWXslO-HNsi11IDYlBfUFg~dTsJWWtAvy32D97ZEA5mNJv-j16wusnsy8sG4Wzb0igj2rHg-dNxAEI~sknl6cNtu4Tgz1XrK9E0nkCAKhUDT4vGzlsdptHxzZNRR3Tpwdy9nG8A0jdOSuh0No7s7WTk3ol8nNw1ze7x273yJ9vve1zSSWtskVQMtBjK5xggPBIIWPLN8n7lD6awUIioYB3A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hawaii Elections Commission deadlocked on a motion to refer 14 written complaints listed under “communications and correspondence” to the Office of Elections for written responses required by Hawaii Administrative Rule (HAR) 3‑170‑8.

Commissioner Krishni moved that the complaints on the commission agenda be forwarded to the Office of Elections for a written response required by the administrative rule. The motion sparked extended public testimony and commissioner debate about the commission’s authority, the scope of the administrative rule and whether the office is compelled to respond.

Speakers who asked the commission to require investigations and written responses included Andy Crossland, Blanca, Jennifer Hunt, Jamie Detwiler, Ohana Unity Party representatives, Carl Dix, Jamie Detwiler and Representative Garner Shimizu. Testifiers described the complaints as specific requests for investigation — not mere correspondence — and urged the commission to direct the Office of Elections to investigate and respond.

Commissioner Jeffrey Osterkamp and others said the administrative rules provide the Office of Elections an “opportunity” to respond but do not absolutely compel a written reply in all circumstances. Commissioner Dylan Andrian and others argued for compliance with administrative rules and for following the process the rules lay out.

Roll-call on the motion to refer the complaints (as captured during the meeting): Commissioner Dylan Andrian — Yes; Commissioner Krishni — Yes; Commissioner Lindsay Cam — Yes; Commissioner Claire McAdam — No; Commissioner Jeffrey Osterkamp — No; Commissioner Kaheolani Papalimu — Yes; Commissioner Peter Young — No; Chair Michael Curtis — No. Chair Curtis announced the motion does not pass.

Because the motion failed, commissioners did not formally instruct the Office of Elections to issue the written responses at that meeting. Several commissioners and public speakers said they expected the chief elections officer to respond in writing and to bring replies back to the commission for review, as described in the HAR provisions cited by testifiers.

The item highlighted a sharp divide between commissioners over process, legal interpretation of the administrative rules and whether the commission should take a more forceful oversight role. Representative Garner Shimizu and multiple public speakers said they will press for written answers and are prepared to seek additional remedies if the complaints are not addressed.

Ending

The split vote leaves the 14 complaints on the record but without a formal commission directive to the Office of Elections to respond in writing. The public and several commissioners urged follow-up at future meetings and asked for clearer processes so complainants receive responses.","The Hawaii Elections Commission voted 4-4 against a motion to forward 14 complaints listed under communications and correspondence to the Office of Elections for a written response under HAR 3‑170‑8. Public speakers pushed for investigations and written answers.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6655200,"Hawaii Elections Commission declines to approve March 19 minutes after hours of public objections",2840,246000,3086000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5419104-fc0b2deef7086a279505afe20e6a24bd&start=246&end=3086","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5419104-fc0b2deef7086a279505afe20e6a24bd/thumbnail_246000.jpg","/articles/6655200/Hawaii/Hawaii-Elections-Commission-declines-to-approve-March-19-minutes-after-hours-of-public-objections","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6655200-d8f1c7f6972837d0b11dba7fabf76229/orig.mp4?Expires=1773106803&Signature=HHLpYmpB4xZNMOqt3zjlTZGLNHtmoV7LKxBf9rPFxR0WBaGrOVpsU5EmCLsJdUBzBtlBgKpAZHlS0yu9JS1L3B6vTvyuV6C9hq7qWz2zfQtw5HQbE3i5bRP2FtdtthOPa1d72BhJour4tyq1MWflzfVomb3t11d0km7~9QWiWsHafxkDjbOJ68YC~stFHCwv9hp93QslnW6mo07ssbwBk~lNi-byCmthITR5~7zAe4wD2jN3D9RcfIG9JcTHCJ7~F4BAq7FdGtuHyTIWdaBsWaqoLHyXKDOCwD-uPogtbb~9MP71PbGDXs2a7kPYA4n1Issy1RgZMN9PnmKgfAtAmA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hawaii Elections Commission failed to approve written minutes from its March 19 meeting after more than two hours of public testimony and commissioner debate.

Public commenters called the draft minutes inaccurate or “fraudulent,” urged greater transparency and asked the commission not to accept the record as written. Speakers included representatives of the Ohana Unity Party, Jamie Detwiler, Tara Roxas, Jennifer Hunt, Carl Dix, Keoni Payton and others who said the minutes did not reflect testimony or previous promises made during meetings.

The minutes are the official record of commission action and discussion. Commissioners said they received extensive public comment and argued about whether the public should be invited to speak on draft minutes before the commission’s own discussion. After public testimony and commissioner comments, a motion to approve the minutes as circulated failed on a roll-call vote.

Commissioner Claire McAdam said she had not had time to review the minutes in the detail she preferred and announced she would vote against approval. Commissioner Ralph Kushni (also appearing in public testimony) said the draft minutes were \"one-sided\" and announced he would vote no. Several public speakers had urged the commission to reject the minutes and to require staff to circulate drafts earlier so commissioners could review them.

Roll-call on the motion to approve the written minutes (as stated during the meeting): Commissioner Dylan Andrian (recorded as Adrian) — Nay; Commissioner Ralph Kushni — No; Commissioner Lindsay Cam — No; Commissioner Claire McAdam — Aye; Commissioner Jeffrey Osterkamp — Yes; Commissioner Kaheolani Papalimu — No; Commissioner Peter Young — Yes; Chair Michael Curtis — Yes. The chair announced: “Motion fails. We have 4 ayes. Requires 5.”

The commission did not amend or approve the minutes at that meeting; commissioners and members of the public urged procedural changes including earlier distribution of drafts to allow more thorough review.

The item drew repeated public calls for written responses to outstanding complaints and for clearer records of how minutes are drafted and revised. Commissioners discussed asking staff to propose a schedule for producing draft minutes earlier after meetings so commissioners could verify accuracy before the next meeting.

The commission moved on to other agenda items after the vote; no further action on approving or amending the March 19 minutes was taken at that meeting.

Ending

The failure to approve the minutes increases pressure on the commission to tighten its minutes process and to provide clearer timelines for draft circulation. Several commissioners said they will press staff to propose a shorter turnaround for draft minutes ahead of future meetings.","The Hawaii Elections Commission failed to approve the written minutes of its March 19 meeting after extended public testimony alleging inaccuracies; the motion to approve the minutes failed on a 4-4 roll call.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Elections commission forms task force to investigate chain-of-custody complaints after public pressure

Commission split 4-4 on motion to refer 14 complaints to Office of Elections; public urges investigations

Hawaii Elections Commission declines to approve March 19 minutes after hours of public objections