The Democratic Party of Hawaii announced Tuesday that it will not take legal action against Laura Thielen for running for the state Senate on its ticket.

Thielen, a candidate for District 25 (Kailua, Enchanted Lake, Waimanalo, Hawaii Kai), has faced intense opposition from Democratic party leaders who believe she shouldn’t run as Democrat given her ties to the GOP.

Democrats say Thielen has not been a party member in good standing for at least six months—Thielen registered as a Democrat in late February.

Party leaders indicated last week that they were preparing to file suit in circuit court.

But party chairman Dante Carpenter said Tuesday that the party doesn’t have the financial resources to go to court and will stick to internal disciplinary measures.

“We just knew it would be too long-drawn-out and expensive,” he said. Such measures, outlined in the party’s constitution, range from reprimand to expulsion.

Thielen welcomed the news and said in a press release: “A small group of people cannot go into a back room and hand-pick which members of the Party can run for election.”  

Read our related coverage: 

• Thielen Donated to Hawaii GOP Candidates

– Democrats Edge Closer to Challenging Thielen Candidacy

– Should Hawaii Dems Stop Laura Thielen

— Alia Wong