Like many others, I just want to know- how did we get here?! I am writing this while the uncertainty remains, but how do we find ourselves in a situation where we literally beg people to vote, and then we tell them their vote doesn’t count.
It’s like the renowned Abbott & Costello routine, “Who’s On First?” As they banter about confusing baseball nicknames, Costello laments “I don’t know!”, and Abbott simply says “Oh, he’s at third base!” So how did this suffrage snafu occur? Questions surrounding eligibility issues in the East Honolulu District 4 City Council race arose months ago… and yet officials mailed out ballots which led to a too-late ruling that basically means votes for incumbent Tommy Waters will not be counted. Wary voters who learned of the court ruling but hadn’t yet voted then possibly opted not to vote for Waters; or didn’t vote at all.
While there are accusations and obfuscation flying around over this dismal display of democracy delayed or derided, East Honolulu voters- those who actually performed their civic duties by voting- have been informed that a vote for Waters simply drifts off into the netherworld and shall remain uncounted.
So much for best practices! Way to encourage “ainokea” voters to believe that “every vote counts”?! And then (as of this editorial submission) there’s the question- could Waters be back on the ballot in the November 3 general election? Oh, joy. More confusion, contestation, voter alienation and undoubtedly more arbitration!
Hawai`i voter turnout peaked with statehood 67 years ago at about 84% of registered voters participating. In this century, we barely get half that amount of turnout. Even mail-in balloting has barely moved the needle upwards. In the August, 2026, primary, about 33% of registered voters participated… keep in mind that many eligible voters never even bother to register.
At the end of the day, voters (and non-voters) wonder why this wasn’t resolved weeks (if not months) earlier. Impassioned arguments and media speeches continue to be made. For relief, watch any Marx Brothers skit or refer back to Abbott & Costello. It beats this Moe/Larry/Curly debacle.
The difference is- those characters were comedic on purpose. Some may now ask- should I bother to vote come November? And is this truly Waters under the bridge, or will this saga continue?
Think about it…