Kauai Election Observers Defend Vote Counting Integrity Amid Discrepancy Complaints

During the recent Elections Commission meeting held on August 27, 2025, significant discussions centered around the integrity of the 2024 election process in Hawaii, particularly in Kauai County. Glenda Negami Stroyfert, an official observer during both the primary and general elections, provided a detailed account of the ballot counting process. She emphasized that every ballot was accounted for and that there was no evidence of data falsification or lost ballots. Stroyfert's testimony aimed to counter claims of election irregularities, asserting that all procedures were followed correctly and that the chain of custody was maintained throughout the process.

The meeting also featured public testimony from various individuals, including James Gash, vice chair of the statewide election accessibility advisory committee. Gash highlighted the importance of accessibility in voting, arguing that proposed changes to the voting system, which favored paper ballots, could hinder individuals with disabilities. He stressed that Hawaii ranks highly in election accessibility and called for advocates to prioritize this aspect in their discussions.

Additionally, Lindsay Kam provided a synopsis of a report from a previously formed investigation group (PIG) that examined complaints regarding election discrepancies in Kauai. The PIG's findings indicated that there were valid concerns about compliance with election laws and the verifiability of mail ballot counts. However, the Kauai County elections division has since refuted these findings, indicating ongoing tensions regarding election integrity in the region.

The discussions from this meeting underscore the community's commitment to ensuring fair and accessible elections while addressing concerns about the electoral process. As the state moves forward, the focus will remain on maintaining transparency and accessibility in future elections, reflecting the values and needs of Hawaii's residents.