Free Republic

Special elections bring logistical headaches Cost-cutting methods cause concern about access to the polls 2nd Congressional District polling places ------------------------------------------------------------------------ By Crystal Kua ckua@starbulletin.com Nick Caleo, a real estate businessman living in Kau on the Big Island, normally goes to Naalehu Elementary School to vote on election day, a 10-minute drive from his house. But in the upcoming special elections for Congress, that polling place will be closed to save the state money. So Caleo will have to drive an extra 12 miles -- 20 to 25 minutes longer each way -- to Pahala where he is supposed to vote...

HONOLULU -- The head of the Hawaii Republican Party Thursday accused the local and national Democratic Party of breaking state campaign laws. Local Democrats said that's not true, but they said their national leader was incorrect when he announced $50,000 worth of national donations to the local party on Sunday. Hawaii's Republicans are asking the state Campaign Spending Commission to investigate whether the Democratic National Committee is violating the state's campaign contribution and spending law. Commission Executive Director Bob Watada, however, said at this point he sees no violation. And Hawaii Democratic Party Chairwoman Lorraine Akiba said the Republicans have...