The Elections Commission Meeting held on December 18, 2024, in Hawaii was marked by significant public discontent regarding the commission's operations and the integrity of the electoral process. The meeting featured a series of testimonies from concerned citizens who expressed their frustrations and called for substantial changes within the commission.

The session began with a testifier voicing general dissatisfaction with the commission's management, suggesting that the current state of affairs was "suspicious" and that "things need to change." This sentiment set the tone for the subsequent testimonies, which echoed similar concerns about the commission's effectiveness.

Forrest, a testifier from Kauai, raised a critical question about the inauguration of the county council occurring before the election results were certified. He expressed frustration over the perceived negligence and demanded clarity on the commission's procedures. His remarks highlighted a broader call for accountability, with many attendees expressing a desire for the resignation of current commission members.

Wendy Baladoy urged the commission to consider reverting to paper ballots, arguing that this method would better serve the public's needs. She emphasized the power of the commission to make such decisions independently, appealing to the members' sense of duty to act in the public's interest.

Miss Okada, another testifier, shared her experiences as a volunteer during the 2022 election, noting issues with canceled shifts and a lack of organization within the Office of Elections. She called for improved volunteer management and greater transparency in the election process, stressing the importance of integrity and honesty.

The meeting also featured testimonies from individuals like Malik Obama and Keoni Peyton, who criticized the commission's leadership and operations. They described the situation as a "joke" and called for the resignation of the commission members, questioning their commitment to serving the community.

Nicole Baranovis concluded the public testimony segment by recounting her personal experiences with the commission, raising concerns about ballot handling and the chain of custody. She demanded accountability and transparency, urging the commission to communicate more effectively with the public regarding procedures and potential corruption.

Overall, the meeting underscored a growing demand for reform within the Elections Commission, with multiple testifiers calling for leadership changes and a return to more traditional voting methods. The commission faces mounting pressure to address these concerns and restore public trust in the electoral process.