Hawaii County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi on Thursday thanked voters for their patience after the mishaps of the August primary and said she would work collaboratively with the state to ensure a "fair and well-run election" in November.
Kawauchi met privately with Scott Nago, the state’s chief election officer, and attorneys at the state attorney general’s office two days after Nago made the unprecedented decision to take control of Hawaii County polling places, the control center and counting center for the general election. The county will continue to have responsibility for voter registration and absentee voting.
Kawauchi believes she and her staff had taken the steps necessary for a successful election without the state’s intervention. But she agreed with Nago that the focus now is to work together.
"I think he has the best intentions for the state in mind, as do I, and all the counties as well," she said.
Kawauchi and Nago apologized to voters for any concerns left over from the primary, when more than a dozen precincts on the Big Island opened late and Gov. Neil Abercrombie issued an emergency proclamation to extend voting hours.
"Obviously, it’s been difficult at times," Kawauchi said. "But I do believe that we have worked things out."
Nago said he has confidence that the Hawaii County vote will go smoothly.
The Hawaii County Council approved a resolution Wednesday that supports a call by the League of Women Voters of Hawaii for an investigation of the primary. The state Elections Commission has said it would not conduct an investigation, but some in Hawaii County may urge the commission to reconsider.
Nago, asked about a potential investigation, said his focus is on the vote.
"We’re less than 35 days away; our main focus is the general election," he said.
