‘Still a real mess’: How a controversial council race will be handled
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Honolulu City Clerk’s Office officially acknowledged Saturday a Circuit Court ruling stating current City Council Chair Tommy Waters is ineligible to run for another term.
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That decision complicated matters as voters had already been casting ballots in this year’s primary election.
After an extensive legal review, the office provided insight into how the race will be handled.
Votes cast for Waters will be counted only to determine if any of the other eligible candidates receive a majority “50 percent plus one” of the vote. If they do, they will automatically win the seat.
If that doesn’t happen, the top two vote-getters will be in a runoff in the General Election in November.
Under state law, people who’ve already cast their vote cannot change it, even if they voted for Waters. It’s also unclear what will happen if Waters wins his appeal on the ruling, and it’s later found he was eligible to run.
Political watchdogs say this scenario is complex and aggravating.
“This provides a little bit of clarity, but this is still a real mess and I think voters are understandably frustrated,” HNN Political Analyst Colin Moore said.
Hawaii News Now was at the ballot drop box outside of Honolulu Hale Saturday when workers put up an official notice to voters, stating that Tommy Waters is ineligible to be elected to the office of councilmember for District IV.
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“I think it’s devastating, though, to wait this long during an election cycle before you give voters guidance. That apathy that’s already there has now built,” said State Director of Common Cause Hawaii Camron Hurt.
In a statement, Acting City Clerk Chadd Kadota said in part: “We recognize that this decision is frustrating for many voters, particularly those who have already returned their ballot…”
He added that it took time for the legal review to take place, and they remain committed to conducting the election fairly, transparently, and consistently for every voter.
Some hope this won’t discourage people from voting.
“If you’re frustrated by this, you’re not alone. We’re all feeling this, even those of us that work within this field. However, don’t let this discourage you from voting now more than ever now more than ever, your vote matters,” Hurt said.
One thing is clear: This matter is far from over as the appeal now makes its way through the courts.
“This is very unique, and I think it’s why everyone is struggling to explain exactly what will happen next,” Moore said.
All voters are reminded to get their ballots in by the 7 p.m. deadline on Aug. 8. For reaction from both Waters and Ozawa, click here for more.
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