Bowfin | June 9, 2024

As Veterans we must Vote to make our voices heard in the political arena, and to protect the freedoms we vowed to in our oath of enlistment.

Ben Franklin after the Constitution was approved is said to have told someone that the founders gave the us a Republic: if we can keep it. He meant that everyone must participate in the political system and vote to keep the government of the people, by the people and for the people. Our participation doesn’t stop at elections but must continue constantly, and as Veterans our oath does not expire.

Voting comes with certain responsibilities, one of which is the responsibility to make decisions in a sufficiently informed manner. How we vote has a significant impact on political outcomes that affect many more people than just ourselves. Because of its far reaching results, we have the moral obligation to become sufficiently informed before casting our ballot.

2024 Candidates

On Tuesday June 4th at 4:30pm candidate filing closed for the 2024 Elections.

Hundreds of candidates have filed to run for office in Hawaii in 2024. This resource guide will help you figure out who to vote for. Honolulu Civil Beat 2024 Election Ballot: Hawaii Candidate Guide.

You can all find your candidates for local, State, and Federal races on the Office of Elections final candidate report HERE. The report includes candidate contact information.

2024 Election Key Dates

Primary

July 23 – Voters start receiving their Primary Election mail ballot packet.
July 29 – Voter service centers open times vary.
August 10 – Primary Election. Voting service centers open from 7am to 7pm.

General

October 18 – Voters start receiving their Primary Election mail ballot packet.
October 22 – Voter service centers open times vary.
November 5 – Primary Election. Voting service centers open from 7am to 7pm.

See full election calendar HERE.

Voting Locations

Click HERE to find all voting service centers, drop box locations, and times they are open across the State.

Best Practices

Pre-Vote

1. Go to the Office of Elections “Online Voter Registration System” here and verify your registered at your current residence.

2. Do your research! Using the Office of Elections candidate report, find candidates running that you can vote for and reach out to them via email or phone. Follow them on social media and attend any of their events. Ask them where they stand on the issues that keep you up at night.

3. Determine how you will cast your vote – mail in your ballot, drop your ballot in a drop box near you, or vote in person at a Voting Service Center.

Note: If you mail in your ballot, it is highly recommended you sign up for “BallotTrax“, so you can track your ballot. Mailed in ballots must be received by 7pm on Election Day.

4. Mark your calendar and make a plan to vote.

Mail In and Drop Box Voting

We strongly recommend in person voting!

However, if you must mail in or use a drop box we recommend the following:

1. Drop your mail ballot envelope at a U.S. Post Office location mail box. These are the most secure and are emptied on a more routine basis. Additionally, they are often monitored by security cameras.

2. Drop your mail ballot envelope at a drop box at your county’s election office. These are the most secure drop boxes and often monitored by security cameras.

In Person Voting

1. Be sure to check the hours the Voting Service Center will be open, either during early voting or on election day, and plan accordingly. If voting on election day expect their to be a long line.

Note: If voting on election day be sure to arrive early and be in line before 7pm. Only voters in line at 7pm will be allowed to vote.

2. Bring your mailed ballot packet to the voting location as proof you have not voted, should you need it. You’ll not be able to use your mailed ballot and you will be provided an in person voting ballot.

Bowfin | June 1, 2024

Hurricane season in Hawaiʻi lasts from June 1 until the end of November. August and September are historically active months.

The National Weather Service predicts a slower hurricane season in Hawaiʻi with two to four tropical cyclones in the Central Pacific region.

The best time to prepare for hurricanes is BEFORE hurricane season begins. Avoid having to rush through potentially life-saving preparations by waiting until it’s too late. Get your disaster supplies while the shelves are still stocked, and get that insurance checkup early, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period. Here is more:

At the Start of the Season

• Enter the season prepared.
• Know all evacuation routes if you live close to the coast.
• Make sure your home meets building codes for withstanding hurricanes, and they have storm shutters.
• Walk through your home with a camera or video camera and take inventory images of your home and your possessions. Walk the perimeter too and take photos or video of the outside.
• If you Download the Allstate Mobile App – you can also utilize the Digital Locker feature to accomplish this.
• Have proper tools, supplies, and a first aid kit.
• Have plenty of batteries and flashlights
• Always have plenty of non-perishable foods on hand.

Once the Watch is Issued

• Leave low lying areas.
• Protect windows with plywood boards, or storm shutters.
• Secure outside objects.
• Make sure you have plenty of fuel and water.
• Have several days supply of food and water for each family member.
• If called to evacuate, do so immediately.

Before the Storm

• Be ready to put your plan and preparation into action.
• Pay attention to local weather reports on radio, television, or the internet.
• Have house boarded up, or have storm shutters in place.
• Have plenty of food and water.
• Make sure all your tools, supplies, and first aid kit available for use.
• Have a secure room available.

During the Storm

• Stay in Secure Room.
• Stay away from windows.
• Do not use the phone, or candles.
• Monitor Weather and Civil Service Bulletins on either regular or NOAA radio.
• Have supplies on hand.
• Remain indoors when the eye moves over your area because the storm will resume shortly.

Hawaiian Electric also distributes a Disaster Preparedness Handbook. It can be accessed and downloaded here Handbook for Emergency Preparedness.