Republicans accuse Hanabusa of campaigning too close to an early polling place

The state Republican Party is accusing Democrat Colleen Hanabusa of illegally campaigning by holding a press conference too close to an early polling place.

Party Executive Director Dylan Nonaka filed a complaint with the state Elections Office on Thursday and asked it to investigate.

Nonaka says Hanabusa, the state Senate president, cast her vote at Honolulu Hale on Wednesday and then spoke to reporters within 200 feet of the polls.

He says a news conference plainly constitutes campaigning.

Hanabusa Campaign Manager Eric Hamakawa says Hanabusa spoke to one reporter who asked her a question.

He says the GOP is showing desperation by characterizing that brief interview as a press conference.