Delegates Elect New Hawaii Republican Party Chairman

by Boyd Ready

An entirely new slate of Hawaii Republican Party leaders has been elected by delegates to the Republican state convention.

Meeting on Kauai May 24 and 25, delegates elected Art Hannemann party chair over the incumbent Tamara McKay by a vote of 164 to 147.  Six delegates voted for candidate Ana Mo Des who had withdrawn from the race and endorsed Hannemann.

Following his election as Chair, Hannemann’s slate was elected to Party offices: 1st Vice Chair Shirlene Ostrov, Candidate Recruitment Bob McDermott, Communications Steve Yoder, Secretary Leslie Jones, Treasurer Dennis Mataia, Community Service Jackie Beckman, and Coalitions Susan Duffy.

Controversial Party rules changes proposed by the ousted former leaders were all rejected on a standing vote after Rep Diamond Garcia spoke against them from the floor.

Senator Brenton Awa spoke of his contemplated candidacy for Congressional District 2, and was met with enthusiastic support.

Three hundred thirty delegates and dozens of alternates and guests were in attendance at the Kauai Veterans War Memorial auditorium for the two days of proceedings, ending with the election of officers. Delegates approved ceremonial resolutions honoring the recently deceased leaders Representative Gene Ward, philanthropist John Henry Felix, Senator Whitney Anderson, and Ralena “Lena” Haunani Byrd Alcos.

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BACKGROUND: Rules Vote a Self-Serving Scam to Take Over Hawaii Republican Party

2024: Convention Report: Hawaii Republican Party Selling HQ