Big Island to retain embattled election official

The County Council chairman says he will not dismiss the clerk despite snags in the primary vote

By Derrick DePledge / Gregg Kakesako

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Aug 21, 2012

~~<p>Hawaii County Council Chairman Dominic Yagong said Monday that he would not dismiss County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi, who has been harshly criticized by the state Office of Elections as an ineffective leader after more than a dozen precincts opened late for the primary election.</p>
<p>After a special Council meeting in Hilo to review the primary, Yagong said the problems were the result of "human error." He said he has asked that he and the clerk meet with Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz, the Office of Elections and the state attorney general's office on how best to prepare for the November general election.</p>
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Hawaii County Council Chairman Dominic Yagong said Monday that he would not dismiss County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi, who has been harshly criticized by the state Office of Elections as an ineffective leader after more than a dozen precincts opened late for the primary election.

After a special Council meeting in Hilo to review the primary, Yagong said the problems were the result of "human error." He said he has asked that he and the clerk meet with Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz, the Office of Elections and the state attorney general's office on how best to prepare for the November general election. Login for more...