July 2025 Message from Council Chair Tommy Waters
Chair Waters during Full Council Meeting on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 in Council Chambers.
Welina mai kākou,
There was a lot of interest in the recent leadership changes at the Honolulu City Council. And while so many folks called, wrote and testified to let me know how important and positive they felt this move was, there were also some focused attempts by special interest groups to purposefully create divisiveness in the Council along decidedly illogical and inappropriate lines.
I want to be perfectly clear: At its core, the vote to reorganize Council leadership (which passed unanimously) reflects the changing and difficult times in which we live. Councilmembers Tupola and Kiaʻāina bring years of experience and political maturity, and as indicative of the Council’s vote, I think all of us on the Council would agree that they will be instrumental in moving a people-focused, cost-of-living sensitive, and truly sensible plan forward for the people of Honolulu.
I would also remind those who believe that the leadership change targeted anyone’s character or identity that the Council is fully committed to supporting the diverse voices in our community, including those of the LGBTQIA+ community. This commitment has been and continues to remain strong under my tenure as Council Chair. Every Council member has equal power and voting rights. As Councilmember Matt Weyer affirmed in the Hawaii News Now story on the reorganization: “It doesn’t change the role of a council member and I still expect to work collaboratively with everybody.” Together, we will continue to create policies and serve our city with unity.
Resolution 25-170, which was introduced by Councilmembers Scott Nishimoto and Val Okimoto reflects a recalibration in the Council’s leadership structure, and certainly not a repudiation of anyone’s service or identity. It’s about how we align leadership roles with the challenges we face: from escalating housing costs to improving core services. The goal is to strengthen our collective ability to deliver real results for all residents, especially those struggling to stay afloat.
Leadership is not easy. As leaders, we are entrusted with decisions that carry political, financial, and moral weight. As lawmakers, we face pressure from the public, resistance from administrative departments, and sometimes even doubt from within our own ranks. And in these moments, we are called to rise above the rhetoric, to act purposefully and responsibly - as we move forward, I’m excited to work with this new leadership team, and standing firm in our ongoing promise to hold ourselves accountable to those whom we serve.
Mahalo,
Tommy Waters
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If you have a concern you'd like to submit, feel free to contact my office and we'll be happy to assist you. Email: tommy.waters@honolulu.gov | Main Line: (808) 768-5004
