The election commission voted down a motion to formally request that the chief election officer provide “any and all documentation necessary to independently validate the 2024 general election,” including chain-of-custody records, county-level logs and reconciliation forms.

The motion, read by the secretary, cited the commission’s duties under HRS 11-8.5 and called for documents the commission said are necessary to fulfill that statutory obligation. "This includes chain of custody records, county level logs, reconciliation forms, and other materials necessary for the commission to fulfill its duties under HRS 11-8.5," the motion read.

Commission debate highlighted long-standing frustration over access to records. "We've been told that the county isn't keeping records...we aren't allowed access," Speaker 1 said earlier in the meeting, urging that subpoenas could be used to obtain material. Speaker 3 said he "will vote yes on principle because I think the chief election officer should have all these answers."

Others emphasized past lapses in commission oversight. Speaker 3 added the problem reflected "incompetent leadership and our commitment to taking full responsibility for it," and Speaker 1 argued the motion was "to hold us accountable to follow the law." Despite those arguments, the motion failed on roll call.

Roll call recorded these votes: Commissioner Adrian — Yes; Commissioner Apano — No; Commissioner Krishni — Yes; Commissioner Kam — No; Commissioner Osterkamp — No; Commissioner Popolimu — Yes; Commissioner Sebas — No; Chair Curtis — No. The tally was 3 yes, 5 no.

After the vote some commissioners discussed whether existing documents — described in the meeting as the "3 pig reports" — could be included in the commission’s eventual review. Speaker 2 said pig information could be included when the commission’s review is due but cautioned that the formal duty to prepare a biennial evaluation under HRS 11-8.5 remains.

The commission did not take further formal action on the motion. Members asked to carry related items to the next meeting agenda, including a review of complaints that could touch on the chief election officer’s performance.