- A proposal aimed at disqualifying Donald Trump from the Hawaii ballot due to his alleged role in inciting the Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol has passed a state Senate committee vote.
- While similar efforts have been made in other states, Hawaii law does not currently provide for such disqualification.
Details of the Proposal:
- The proposal, known as Senate Bill 2392, would establish a process for disqualification through the chief elections officer in Hawaii.
Testimony and Reaction:
- The bill received significant opposition, with over 300 pieces of negative testimony compared to only about 20 testimonies in favor.
- Trump supporters dominated the small conference room, often cheering each other’s testimony.
- Jamie Detwiler, president of the Hawaii Federation of Republican Women, denounced the proposal as “tyrannical” and argued that Trump had not been convicted or charged with insurrection, drawing cheers from the audience.
- Despite the opposition, Democratic Party and open government groups supported the bill, with Nikos Leverenz commending the sponsor, Senator Rhoads, for his courage amidst jeers from pro-Trump attendees.
Committee Action and Amendments:
- The Judiciary Committee amended the bill to align the process for disqualification with Hawaii’s existing election challenge and ballot eligibility procedures.
- The committee voted 3-to-2 to advance the bill to the full Senate, with State Sen. Mike Gabbard and Republican Brenton Awa opposing it.
Implications and Next Steps:
- The advancement of the bill to the full Senate suggests ongoing debate and potential action regarding Trump’s eligibility for the Hawaii ballot.
- The proposal highlights the broader national conversation surrounding accountability for political leaders’ actions and the consequences of their rhetoric.
Author of Social News Outlet, Tanvi Garg weaves compelling narratives that illuminate the human stories behind headlines.
