HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Tommy Waters has been disqualified from the Honolulu City Council District IV race, but his name will remain on ballots already issued to voters.
The Honolulu Elections Division said Waters is ineligible to be elected to the 2027-2031 term following a Circuit Court ruling.
Because ballots had already been printed, assembled or distributed before the ruling, election officials said it is not practical to remove Waters’ name.
Votes cast for Waters will still be counted, but only to determine whether an eligible candidate receives a majority in the first special election. Waters cannot be elected or advance to the second special election.
If an eligible candidate receives more than 50% of the votes counted, that candidate will be elected. If no eligible candidate receives a majority, the two eligible candidates with the most votes will advance.
Voters who already returned their ballot cannot receive another one or change their vote.
“We recognize that this decision is frustrating for many voters, particularly those who have already returned their ballot,” Acting City Clerk Chadd Kadota said. “Our responsibility is to faithfully administer elections in accordance with the law and the orders of the court.”
The Elections Division said notices about Waters’ disqualification will be posted at voter service centers and online.
The ruling could still be subject to appellate review. Unless another court order changes the process, the District IV election will continue as scheduled.
In response to the disqualification, Waters said in a statement:
“We acknowledge that the City Clerk is responding to the Circuit Court’s ruling. I am concerned about the thousands of voters who have already cast their ballots. They deserve to have their voices recognized.
We strongly oppose the court’s ruling and are actively gathering information for our appeal. This issue transcends any single candidate. It is now about defending voter trust and the integrity of the democratic election process. I will pursue every possible option to ensure the City Charter is interpreted consistently and that the people of District 4 are heard.”
Mail ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on Primary Election Day, Saturday, Aug. 8.
Copyright 2026 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
