Waters vs. Ozawa Round Two: The East Honolulu Council Rematch Shaping Up for August Primary

The race for Honolulu City Council District IV is heating up as former council chair Trevor Ozawa launches another challenge against current chair Tommy Waters in what promises to be one of the most closely watched contests in the August 8 primary.

The East Honolulu matchup represents more than just a local council race — it’s a battle for control of the council’s leadership and direction on key issues facing residents from Hawaii Kai to Portlock. Waters, who unseated Ozawa in 2022, now finds himself defending both his seat and his role as council chair against his predecessor’s comeback bid.

“This is really about the future of council leadership and whether voters want continuity or change,” said University of Hawaii political science professor Colin Moore. “Both candidates have strong bases of support, but they represent different approaches to governance.”

Tale of Two Tenures

Waters took over the District IV seat after defeating Ozawa in a contentious 2022 race that hinged largely on development issues and council leadership style. Since taking office, Waters has emphasized collaborative leadership and has pushed for stronger environmental protections, particularly around Hanauma Bay and other East Honolulu natural resources.

Under Waters’ leadership as council chair, the body has tackled affordable housing initiatives and infrastructure improvements across the district. He’s been particularly vocal about protecting the character of East Honolulu neighborhoods while addressing the housing crisis.

Ozawa, who served as council chair before his 2022 defeat, brings experience from his previous tenure representing the district. During his time in office, he focused heavily on fiscal responsibility and streamlining city operations, often taking a more business-friendly approach to development and city services.

Policy Battleground

The policy differences between the candidates are likely to center on familiar themes that divided them in their previous contest. Development and land use remain flashpoint issues in a district that stretches from the urban core of Hawaii Kai through rural Portlock and includes some of Oahu’s most valuable real estate.

Waters has championed stricter development standards and has been a strong advocate for preserving open space and beach access. His approach has resonated with residents concerned about overdevelopment and traffic congestion in areas like Hawaii Kai and Niu Valley.

Ozawa is expected to emphasize economic growth and job creation, positioning himself as the candidate who can bring a more balanced approach to development that considers both environmental concerns and economic needs. His campaign will likely highlight his experience working with the business community and his track record on fiscal issues.

Council Leadership at Stake

Beyond the District IV seat itself, the race carries broader implications for council leadership. As current chair, Waters wields significant influence over the council’s agenda and committee assignments. An Ozawa victory would likely trigger a shake-up in council leadership, potentially altering the body’s priorities and approach to major issues.

The contest also reflects broader tensions within the Democratic Party establishment, as both candidates have connections to different political networks and endorsement sources. The outcome could signal voter sentiment about the direction of city government heading into 2026.

Campaign Season Ahead

With the August primary just months away, both campaigns are expected to ramp up their outreach efforts across the sprawling district. Town halls at Hawaii Kai Library, community meetings in Portlock, and door-to-door campaigning through Niu Valley and Kuliouou neighborhoods will likely define the campaign season.

Fundraising will be crucial, as both candidates will need resources to reach voters across a district that includes some of Honolulu’s most affluent neighborhoods alongside working-class communities. The race is expected to be one of the most expensive council contests on the ballot.

Voters will also be weighing continuity versus change at a time when the council faces major decisions on the rail project, affordable housing development, and climate resilience planning. The East Honolulu district’s unique mix of environmental sensitivity and development pressure makes it a bellwether for how the city will balance growth with preservation.

The August primary will ultimately determine not just who represents East Honolulu, but which vision of council leadership and municipal governance will guide the city through the remainder of the decade. For residents from Kahala to Hawaii Kai, the stakes couldn’t be higher.