Term Limit Lawsuit
Media Response
Inquiry:
What is your response to the allegation that you have already served two consecutive four-year terms under the City Charter and therefore cannot run again?
Statement
“I understand this can feel complicated, and residents deserve a straight answer. This is not a new question. It has been answered before, for others in the same situation, and it has been answered again now. Three Councilmembers before me, Ann Kobayashi, Ikaika Anderson, and Carol Fukunaga, served a partial term followed by two full four-year terms. My situation is no different. The City Clerk reviewed the issue and concluded that the same Charter provision governing their eligibility applies to mine, making me eligible to seek another term.
A legal challenge has been filed. That process will proceed, and I respect it. What I will not do is allow a court filing to distract from the work residents elected me to do. O’ahu deserves steadiness, accountability, and a representative whose focus never wavers. Ultimately, it is the voters of District IV who will decide. That is exactly how it should be.” — Council Chair Tommy Waters
Inquiry Date: 06/17/2026
Outlet: Honolulu Star Advertiser
Reporter: Ian Bauer
