Hawaii Election Commission Faces Accountability Demands Amid Voter Integrity Concerns

The Hawaii Elections Commission meeting on August 27, 2025, was marked by intense discussions surrounding election integrity and accountability. Key testimonies highlighted serious concerns about the certification process of election results, particularly regarding unaccounted ballots and broken chains of custody.

One prominent speaker emphasized that under Hawaii Revised Statutes, election results cannot be certified until all counts are reconciled. They called for the removal of Chief Elections Officer Scott Nago, citing violations of election laws, including the certification of results with unaccounted ballots. The speaker urged the commission to refer the matter to the attorney general for investigation, asserting that the public deserves transparency and accountability from their leaders.

Concerns were raised about the reliability of mail-in ballots, which were described as creating vulnerabilities in the election process. The speaker advocated for independent audits and stricter oversight to ensure the integrity of elections, arguing that the commission's duty is to uphold public trust rather than prioritize convenience.

Another testifier, Rebecca Soon, expressed her appreciation for the commission's work but cautioned against unfounded accusations that could undermine public confidence in the electoral process. She stressed the importance of ensuring that every vote counts and urged the commission to maintain high standards for the information it disseminates.

Doug Pasnick, a long-time advocate for election transparency, presented evidence of missing documentation from previous elections, questioning the commission's adherence to legal requirements for certification. He criticized the commission for failing to uphold the law and called for accountability among its members.

Kehlani Ho, another testifier, expressed frustration over the repetitive nature of the meetings and the lack of meaningful progress on issues raised by the public. She urged the commission to take decisive action to address ongoing concerns about voter integrity.

The meeting underscored a growing demand for accountability and transparency in Hawaii's electoral processes, with multiple speakers calling for reforms to restore public trust in the system. As the commission faces mounting pressure, the future of election integrity in Hawaii remains a critical topic of discussion.