With voters already casting Primary ballots, Honolulu Circuit Court Judge James H Ashford this morning ruled in favor of Plaintiff Trevor Ozawa's Motion for Summary Judgment in 1CCV-26-0000889 - Ozawa v. Kadota, et al. 

Judge Ashford’s ruling, which Tommy Waters says he plans to appeal, declares Honolulu Council Chair Waters ineligible to run for Council due to term limits.  Waters had filed for a third term on the basis that his first term had not been a full term in office. 

If Waters’ appeal is unsuccessful, Ozawa, known mostly for his assistance to murderer and drug dealer Michael Miske, will likely be the next councilmember for East Oahu District IV. 

Waters and Ozawa remain on the August 8, 2026 Primary ballots along with Tara Malia Gregory and Jason Liang.

Waters was originally elected in a special election do-over April 13, 2019 after the State Supreme Court invalidated the razor-thin November 2018 election of Trevor Ozawa. 

Will update.

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Council Chair Tommy Waters released the following statement regards to the 1st Circuit's ruling on eligibility:

“We respect the court’s decision and appreciate its consideration of this matter. We plan to file an appeal because, given the broader implications this case has for Honolulu’s governance, we believe review by the Court of Appeals is appropriate. I believe that the voters should have the ultimate decision come election day. My focus, however, remains unchanged, and I remain committed to serving the people of Honolulu and fulfilling the responsibilities the voters entrusted me with for the remainder of this term.”

PDF: CASE PRINTOUT

PDF: Ozawa Motion for Summary Judgment

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The Councilman, the Crime Boss, and the “Hostage” Trees

ILind July 20, 2026: … Now that Trevor Ozawa is again a candidate running to take back his former seat on the Honolulu City Council, voters should examine his past misuse of his political position to benefit the late racketeering boss Mike Miske.

As a voter in his district, I haven’t forgotten how Ozawa—who served on the council from 2014 to 2018—aggressively used his legislative power to muscle the Department of Parks and Recreation into giving Miske special treatment….

Read … The Councilman, the Crime Boss, and the “Hostage” Trees | i L i n d

COVERAGE:

KITV: Judge rules Tommy Waters ineligible for third Honolulu City Council run | Local | kitv.com

HPR: Waters ruled ineligible to run for Honolulu City Council seat | Hawai'i Public Radio

HNN: Judge rules Council chair Tommy Waters ineligible to run for re-election | Hawaii News Now

SA: Tommy Waters ineligible to run for 3rd Honolulu City Council term, judge rules | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

CB: Honolulu Councilman Can't Seek Third Term In Heated Primary, Judge Says - Honolulu Civil Beat