Hawaii Elections Commission votes McKay temporary chair after court order

The Hawaii Elections Commission resumed operations on Thursday following a directive from the state Supreme Court. The body had not convened in nearly five months due to internal disputes over leadership and scheduling. Commissioners selected Tamara McKay, a former state chair of the Hawaii Republican Party, to serve as temporary chair during the session.

The meeting was prompted by a lawsuit filed by commissioners Tamara Cuchnie and Tamara McKay. They argued that election staff were unwilling to assist in organizing regular meetings. The Supreme Court ordered the commission to reconvene to resolve the impasse.

Public commenters focused heavily on the future of Chief Elections Officer Scott Nago. S. Beth Cromrine stated that she wanted the commission to remove him from his position. Michelle Melendez took a more forceful stance, suggesting Nago should be arrested and removed from the island.

Republican state Rep. Kanani Souza also called for Nago's ouster. She cited two recent adverse Supreme Court decisions involving her own election as grounds for termination. Souza's primary race had ended in a tie, a result that was resolved by drawing an Easter egg from a lauhala basket.

Souza said, "There have been two adverse Supreme Court decisions and both in my opinion present cause to terminate Scott Nago." Other attendees voiced concerns about election integrity, claiming staff had ignored their complaints regarding the handling of recent contests.

Former mixed martial arts champion BJ Penn testified about the perception of the election process. He noted that media outlets often announce winners before the election office does, which he compared to impersonating a public official.

The commission may vote on Nago's employment status at its next meeting next Thursday. Nago declined to offer comment when contacted by Hawaii News Now.