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Elections commission asks state auditor to audit 2024 election, asks he start with Big Island
Summary
The Hawaii Elections Commission voted Dec. 3 to ask State Auditor Michael Kondo to audit the 2024 general election, passing an amendment directing the auditor to start the review on the Island of Hawaii before expanding statewide. Commissioners said the move responds to PIG findings and public concerns about reconciling ballot and envelope counts.
The Hawaii Elections Commission on Dec. 3 voted to ask the state auditor to conduct an audit of the 2024 general election and asked that the auditor start with the Big Island.
Commissioner Lindsay moved that the commission "transmit the findings of the 2025 permitted interaction groups and the Commission's 10/01/2025 audit motion to the state auditor and ask that he conduct an audit of the 2024 general election as soon as possible." After debate about scope, commissioners amended Lindsay’s motion to ask the auditor to begin with the Big Island; that amendment and the amended motion passed by roll call.
Supporters said an independent audit would resolve discrepancies documented in PIG reports and public testimony. "If the CEO cannot answer that one simple question — how many ballots were printed, mailed, returned and unaccounted for — then you have the most basic problem with ballot accountability," Doug Pasnick told the commission during public testimony.
Opponents warned about the political optics and urged care in how the request was framed. The deputy attorney general said the auditor has discretion on whether and how to act.
The commission also discussed parallel avenues to pursue an audit, including seeking a legislative sponsor and sending materials to the governor. Representative Garner Shimizu told the commission he would help sponsor legislation seeking an audit.
What’s next: the commission asked staff to invite the state auditor to a future meeting to discuss options and timing. The auditor may decline, accept a county‑by‑county approach or take statewide action at his discretion.
