From the Hawaii Tribune-Herald:

Dominic Yagong and Jamae Kawauchi’s request to investigate the county’s Elections Division was part of a larger conspiracy to take over the county’s elections, an attorney argued Monday.

Ted Hong, who represents Elections Division Chief Patricia Nakamoto and former elections employee Shyla Ayau, argued against a motion for summary judgement that would dismiss charges of defamation against Yagong and Kawauchi in their individual capacities.

“This was an attempt to power grab, take over the election office,” Hong argued in 3rd Circuit Court, before Judge Elizabeth Strance. Read the full story.

And here’s the latest in other neighbor isle gov’t and politics:

Kauai Rottweiler put down for attacking boy

Lottery for Maui Hawaiian immersion classes postponed

Abercrombie releases funds for Kauai Philippines center

Big Isle after-school program celebrated

$559M budget sent to Maui Council

Legislature approves $1.3M in bonds to Kekaha shrimp farm

Waldrop to discuss Hokulea’s upcoming educational voyage

State’s presidential scholars hail from Big Island

1,000-plus tickets given on Maui for use of phone while driving

Photo of Mauna Kea courtesy eliduke.

—Chad Blair