Hawaii Recounts Two Republican Primaries With Razor-Thin Margins

The Hawaii Office of Elections began automatic recounts on Tuesday at the Oʻahu Counting Center in the Hawaii State Capitol for two close Republican primary races. The recounts were triggered under state law, which mandates the process when the margin is 100 votes or 0.5% of total votes cast, whichever is smaller.

In the Senate District 20 race serving ʻEwa Beach, candidate Bob McDermott holds a seven-vote lead over incumbent Senator Kurt Fevella. In the House District 43 race serving Kapolei and Makakilo, incumbent Representative Kanani Souza leads challenger Sheila Medeiros by a single vote. State Chief Election Officer Scott Nago noted that a one-vote difference is a first in his professional experience.

The recount process involves scanning ballots on the Senate floor and is expected to continue through Wednesday. These counts exclude blank, over-voted, or cured ballots. Final election results are anticipated after 4:30 p.m. Friday, following the deadline for voters to fix invalid envelope signatures. Overall primary turnout was low, with only 32.4% of registered voters returning mail-in ballots.