What's Being Discussed

The Hawaiʻi Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in an elections-related lawsuit. The case involves Kristen K. Souza (also known as Kanani Souza) as the plaintiff, who has filed suit against several state and city elections officials, including:

• Scott T. Nago, Chief Elections Officer for the State of Hawaiʻi
• The State of Hawaiʻi Office of Elections
• Chadd Kadota, Acting City Clerk for the City and County of Honolulu
• Rex Quidilla, Elections Administrator for the City and County of Honolulu
• Sheila Medeiros

The specific legal dispute has not been detailed in the notice, but the case is before the Supreme Court for a full hearing on its merits, meaning the justices will consider the core legal arguments from both sides.

Decisions Expected

No immediate vote or decision will be made at this hearing. Oral arguments allow attorneys to present their positions directly to the justices and answer questions. The Court will issue a written ruling at a later date.

Who Should Pay Attention

• Voters and residents interested in how Hawaii's elections are administered
• People following election law and policy in Hawaii
• Anyone involved with or affected by City and County of Honolulu or state election processes

The hearing is open to the public and will be held at Ali'iōlani Hale, 417 South King Street, Honolulu on September 2, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. It will also be livestreamed on the Hawaiʻi Courts YouTube channel. Disability accommodations are available by contacting the ADA Coordinator at 539-4700.