Kamaka Air charter flights carry Moloka'i and Lana'i ballots to Maui for counting

Ballots cast in drop boxes on Moloka'i and Lana'i face a logistical challenge that mainland voters rarely encounter. Because these islands are part of Maui County, their votes must physically reach the mainland for processing. The journey begins at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3, when polls close and election officials secure the sealed ballot boxes.

Deputy County Clerk Richelle Thomson stated that her office manages voter service centers across the three islands. After collection, the ballots are certified and documented before being loaded onto charter planes operated by Kamaka Air. Thomson confirmed that the airline uses dedicated flights for election night, with one route serving Lana'i and another serving Moloka'i to transport ballots and equipment.

George Ka'anana, Executive Vice President of Sales and Cargo Operations at Kamaka Air, described the operation as a standard freight task for pilots. He noted that the crew checks off lists, signs off on the items, and performs a double check upon arrival in Maui. Ka'anana framed the service as part of the airline's community duty, stating that taking care of the community is the company's primary motto.

Thomson emphasized that security measures, referred to as chain of custody, accompany the ballots at every stage. The additional air transport step requires specific checks and balances to ensure integrity. Upon arrival at Kahului Airport, election officials meet the ballots and transport them to the county building in Wailuku. Thomson estimated this transfer is typically complete by 9 p.m.

Once at the Wailuku facility, the county clerk's office scans the ballots and verifies signatures without opening them. The physical ballots then move to a state counting center located in the Council Chambers. There, officials open the ballots, remove them from secrecy sleeves, and scan them for tallying. Thomson described the setup as having separate stations with official observers present throughout the process.

Historically, Maui County has reported results later than other areas due to these complex logistics. However, Thomson said the county has come in first for the last two election cycles. She expressed hope to maintain that pace while maintaining backup plans for any issues that arise during the night.

Across Maui County, nearly 98,000 ballots were issued for this election. As of Friday, approximately 25,000 ballots had been cast, a figure Thomson called average for this point in the cycle. County voter turnout typically exceeds 50 percent. Voter Service Centers in Lahaina, Moloka'i, and Lana'i are open on Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday for voters to register or correct mistakes.

Thomson advised voters to use official drop boxes rather than mailing their ballots. This ensures the votes are counted once the General Election closes at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3.