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Hundreds of residents demand removal of chief elections officer; motion to dismiss him fails
Summary
Dozens of public testifiers urged the Elections Commission to remove Chief Elections Officer Scott Nago over alleged chain-of-custody gaps and missing records; a motion to remove Nago was brought to the floor and failed on roll-call vote.
Hundreds of members of the public used the commission's public‑comment period to urge the removal of Chief Elections Officer Scott Nago, citing chain‑of‑custody gaps, missing postal receipts and auditability concerns stemming from the 2024 general election. Speakers included civic leaders and party chairs who demanded an independent audit and immediate personnel action.
Following the testimony the commission debated and then voted on a motion to remove Nago. The motion, moved by Commissioner Ralph Cushni and seconded, was defeated by roll call. Commissioners who supported removal cited repeated failures to preserve election records, alleged noncompliance with HAVA implementation steps and the unresolved "19,000" envelope discrepancy on the Big Island. Commissioners opposed to removal said they were unconvinced that dismissal was the correct or legal remedy at this time and emphasized the need for investigatory steps already authorized by the commission.
Chief Elections Officer Scott Nago had earlier presented a status report describing planned improvements for the 2026 elections, including stronger tracking of return envelopes, new procedures and consideration of ERIC participation. During question‑and‑answer he acknowledged gaps but said the office retains return identification envelopes and is working with county clerks and vendors to enhance reconciliation.
The motion to remove did not pass. The commission continued to authorize audits and a hand count of Hawaii County envelopes as the initial, concrete response to public concerns.
Quotes: "An unverifiable election is already compromised," said public testifier Doug Pasnick, summarizing the argument for immediate action. "We deserve to have a free and fair election that demands accountability," testified Jamie Detweiler.
What this means: The commission declined to remove the chief elections officer, but it authorized targeted, observable steps intended to address the core public complaint: a physical count and reconciliation of return envelopes in Hawaii County and further review of chain‑of‑custody procedures.
