Honolulu Council Chair Tommy Waters Barred from Third Term

A circuit court judge ruled that Honolulu City Council Chair Tommy Waters is ineligible to seek a third consecutive term under the city charter’s two‑term limit. Judge James Ashford concluded that Waters’ first term, which began after a delayed swearing‑in, counts as a regular four‑year term, not a vacancy term, and therefore disqualifies him from running again.

The decision comes just weeks before the Aug. 8 primary, where Waters’ name already appears on the ballot alongside fellow candidates Trevor Ozawa, Tara Malia Gregory and Jason Liang. Ozawa had filed the lawsuit challenging Waters’ eligibility. The ruling raises uncertainty about how votes cast for Waters will be treated and whether a special election will be required. Waters has not indicated whether he will appeal the judgment.