Hawaii finds funds to hold special election

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HONOLULU (AP) — Hawaii may be able to afford its special election to fill an open congressional seat after all.

Gov. Linda Lingle plans to ask state lawmakers to spend $1.3 million recently found in an accounting error to pay for the election, which could occur as soon as May 1.

State Comptroller Russ Saito says he’s sending documents to the governor Thursday so that she can ask the state Legislature for the emergency appropriation to spend the money.

Without the money, the state lacks the $925,000 to hold a vote-by-mail election to fill the U.S. House seat opening caused by U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie’s pending resignation.

Former congressman Ed Case, state Senate President Colleen Hanabusa and Honolulu City Councilman Charles Djou will run in the winner-take-all election.