Full Breakdown
Legal Dispute Shapes Honolulu City Council District 4 Primary
8/10/2026, 2:31:04 PM
Core Event – Primary Results Amid Eligibility Controversy
The August 2026 primary for Honolulu City Council District 4 produced a fragmented outcome. Former council member Trevor Ozawa led the vote count, but Council Chair Tommy Waters—ruled ineligible by a July 27 decision of Circuit Court Judge James H. Ashford—remained on the ballot. Election officials counted Waters’ roughly 8,000 votes only to determine whether any eligible candidate surpassed the 50 % + 1 threshold. Because those votes were included, Ozawa’s share fell below the majority requirement, sending the top two eligible candidates, Ozawa and first-time contender Tara Malia Gregory, to the November general election.
Background & Context – Term-limit Challenge and Ballot Inclusion
District 4 covers Waikiki through East Honolulu. The Honolulu City Charter limits council members to two consecutive four-year terms. Waters, first elected in 2019, filed for a third term, arguing his initial term began four months late and should not count. Ozawa sued in June; the court agreed on July 27, declaring Waters ineligible. Acting City Clerk Chadd Kadota instructed that Waters’ votes would be tallied solely to assess if an eligible candidate achieved a majority, not to elect Waters himself.
Official Statements & Responses – Courts, Clerks, and Candidates
Judge Ashford’s ruling said Waters violated the charter’s term-limit provision, rendering him ineligible. Kadota clarified that Waters’ votes would be used only to assess whether an eligible candidate reached a majority. Waters filed a notice of appeal on July 31 and pledged a jurisdictional statement by Aug. 17 and an opening brief by Sept. 15. He warned voters could file a contest under Hawai‘i Revised Statutes § 11-172 by Aug. 24.
Criticism & Opposition – Legal Experts Question Vote-Counting Method
Election-law attorney Lance Collins argued there is no legal basis for including votes cast for an ineligible candidate in the majority calculation.
On-the-Ground Reports – Community Reaction
Ozawa celebrated his lead at J. Dolan’s in Kahala, noting voter concerns about housing costs, traffic and public safety. Council member Matt Weyer presented Ozawa with a lei, and former Governor John Waihe‘e made a brief appearance. Gregory, a Herbalife employee and frequent Elections Commission attendee, emphasized a platform of government waste reduction and “audit everything.” Liang, inspired by New York City’s democratic-socialist leadership, advocated free buses and city-owned grocery stores funded by higher property taxes.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps – Discrepancies in Vote Totals
The three outlets provide differing numerical totals for each candidate, leaving the precise vote share unclear pending the final count expected later this week.
Verbatim Quote
- “He’s the only one with name recognition, and a real campaign organization,” — Colin Moore
What’s Next – Appeals, Legal Challenges, and the General Election
Waters must submit a jurisdictional statement by Aug. 17 and an opening brief by Sept. 15. Voters or qualified parties may file a contest under Hawai‘i Revised Statutes § 11-172 by Aug. 24. Unless the appeal overturns the disqualification, Ozawa and Gregory will appear on the November general-election ballot for the District 4 seat.
