Aloha State News

Hawaii's primary election on August 13 faced significant challenges due to limited voting locations, resulting in long lines and voter frustration. On Maui island, only one Voter Service Center was available, leading to early morning queues that persisted throughout the day at the Wailuku location. The situation escalated when tensions nearly led to an altercation, prompting a call for authorities.

Common Cause Hawaii has called for more Voter Service Centers ahead of the 2022 midterm elections. "This doesn’t have to keep happening. Neither the people of Maui nor any Hawaii citizen should have to wait hours to cast their vote in person at the ballot box to make their voices heard," stated Sandy Ma, Executive Director of Common Cause Hawaii.

The issue is not new; similar problems were reported during the 2020 general election. Although an additional voting site was planned in Hana on Maui Island, it remained closed on primary day without explanation. This closure contributed to lengthy delays reminiscent of those seen two years prior.

"Democracy in Hawaii only works when it’s accessible to everyone," Ma emphasized. She advocated for increased voting locations as a means to ease participation, particularly benefiting Native Hawaiians and disadvantaged communities.

Common Cause has recommended adding Voter Service Centers across various regions: Oahu (Waianae, Nanakuli, Ewa Beach, Pearl City, Laie, Waimanalo), Maui (Hana, Lahaina, Kihei, Makawao), Kauai (Poipu and Anahola), and Hawaii island (Pahoa, Waimea, Volcano and Honokaa). The organization stresses that all residents deserve easy access to casting their ballots before and through November 8.