The governor and the Hawaii County Council are under growing pressure to diffuse a rift between state and Hawaii County elections office.

In an emergency meeting called by the council Monday, elections clerk Jamae Kawauchi defended her actions as she outlined what she believed led to delays during the primary.

"What went wrong does not have to do with poor planning or leadership, what went wrong is staff not paying attention," said Kawauchi.

But it didn’t help Kawauchi's case when the number two man in her office disputed part of her characterization of what caused the problems.

"Things were not correct the way I lived it. I had no way of knowing I was to coordinate the buses. That communication never happened," said Steve Kawena Lopez.

One experienced election official offered this snapshot.

"I have worked 12 years here in Hilo, and 15 years on the mainland. I am not exaggerating. This was the most fouled-up elections I had ever been involved with," said Dan Lindsey.

Kawauichi told the council she can't complete her election assessment because the state elections office took voter records that she needs.

“My review has been hampered by the removal of elections records without my permission consent or prior notice," said Kawauchi.

State election official Rex Quidilla said when they were in HIlo on Tuesday, Kawauchi told them she was done with her review of election paperwork, and when they asked if could take the elections records and she told them, yes.