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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East Honolulu voters, candidates react with confusion after judge bars Waters from ballot

HNN July 28, 2026: … Candidate Tara Malia Gregory called the situation an upheaval. “I think it’s an upheaval because this is a little bit of an orchestrated delay in justice,” Gregory said. “This should have been nipped in the bud last year when Chair Waters even announced it.” l…

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said he was surprised by the ruling. “Corporation counsel, the very people that represent me, represented Chair Waters, and they told me they felt like they did a great job, and that they made the argument very strong,” Blangiardi said. “Honestly I was very surprised.” Blangiardi also addressed his relationship with Waters: “Tommy Waters and I have had a pretty good relationship for five and a half years, the last couple months have been pretty rough. I don’t wanna talk about anyone when I’m still angry.”

Honolulu Elections Administrator Rex Quidilla said his office is “examining the implications of the ruling.” Quidilla noted he has not encountered a situation like this before in his roughly 25 years in the role. He referenced the 2002 death of Congresswoman Patsy Mink, who died after winning the primary election. Her name remained on the ballot and she won the general election posthumously, leading to a special election won by Ed Case.

State Chief Elections Officer Scott Nago said his office does not comment on ongoing litigation ….

read … East Honolulu voters, candidates react with confusion after judge bars Waters from ballot

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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

ASD: Tommy Waters ineligible for reelection, court rules