Lawsuit challenges Tommy Waters’ eligibility for third City Council term

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Honolulu City Council candidate Trevor Ozawa has filed a lawsuit seeking to block Council Chair Tommy Waters from running for another term.

The lawsuit argues Waters is ineligible to seek re-election because the Honolulu City Charter limits councilmembers to two consecutive four-year terms.

According to the complaint, Waters was elected to the District IV council seat in a special remedial election in 2019 and again in the 2022 general election. Ozawa argues a successful 2026 campaign would amount to a third consecutive term, which he says is prohibited under the charter.

The challenge stems from a recent determination by Acting City Clerk Chadd Kadota, who concluded Waters is eligible to run because his first stint in office did not begin until he was sworn in during 2019. The lawsuit contends the city charter says council terms begin Jan. 2 following an election, regardless of when a councilmember takes the oath of office.

Ozawa previously filed an objection with the city clerk’s office, but the clerk declined to pursue disqualification proceedings and said no further action would be taken.

The lawsuit asks the court to quickly resolve the dispute before ballots for the 2026 election are printed.