HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Honolulu City Council approved a major leadership overhaul Tuesday, passing a resolution that some described as a necessary reset, while others condemned it as political retaliation.
Emotions ran high inside council chambers as members focused on a single item on the agenda: Resolution 25-170.
“I can tell you from personal experience, we might not be friends today, but tomorrow there’s still a chance. No matter what, let’s keep working hard,” said Council Chair Tommy Waters at the start of the hearing.
More than 600 written testimonies were submitted on the resolution, with a slight majority in support. In-person testimony was often pointed — and at times, deeply personal.
“While Councilmember Nishimoto submitted this resolution, it’s clear that Chair Waters is the one behind it,” said Dale Vanderbrink, who opposed the measure. “It needs to be said, that this resolution is political revenge against members of this council who did not vote with him.”
The resolution reinstates Waters as council chair — a position he has held since 2020 — and removes Vice Chair Matt Weyer after just six months, replacing him with Councilmember Andria Tupola. Esther Kiaʻāina was named the new floor leader, replacing Radiant Cordero.
“I’m going to continue to vote my conscience regardless,” said Weyer. “But I hope that we remember the people who are affected by the decisions that go on.”
The shake-up follows weeks of speculation tied to a contentious debate over sewer fee hikes. Waters had backed a measure that ultimately failed, while a competing proposal from Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam narrowly passed earlier this month.
Some LGBTQ+ advocates alleged that Weyer and Dos Santos-Tam were removed from leadership as political punishment.
“We cannot allow leadership to be handed over to people that support the federal government under what’s currently doing,” said Michael Golojuch Jr., testifying in opposition.
Supporters, however, welcomed the new leadership.
“I know they are committed to what is best for this land, the water that we drink, the soil that we plant, the language that we speak, the children that we are raising,” said Kaui Burgess.
Tupola, who was visibly emotional, thanked her colleagues and the public.
“There was a lot of things said about me, and I think as a leader it’s so great for me to hear,” she said. “It’s important that I don’t live in a silo — that I hear everyone’s perspectives.”
The resolution passed unanimously, with three members voting “aye with reservations.” The leadership changes take effect immediately. New committee chairs are expected to be announced Wednesday.