This bill prohibits Hawaii state and county law enforcement agencies from entering into agreements with federal immigration authorities or engaging in immigration enforcement activities. It directly affects police departments, sheriff's offices, and correctional facilities by restricting their ability to detain individuals based on federal immigration hold requests or transfer them to federal custody. The law also prevents these agencies from asking about a person's citizenship status unless it is directly connected to a criminal investigation and bars them from sharing non-public personal information with federal immigration officials for immigration purposes. These measures aim to build trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities by ensuring that local police do not get involved in federal immigration enforcement.
This bill directs state and county agencies in Hawaii to establish written policies by January 1, 2027, that ensure their facilities remain safe spaces for all residents regardless of immigration status. The law requires these agencies to clearly mark nonpublic areas, create procedures for handling warrants, ban the collection of immigration data unless legally required, and mandate annual staff training along with multilingual notices. Additionally, the attorney general must publish model policies for these agencies to adopt, while private organizations may choose to follow them voluntarily. The legislation explicitly states that it does not prevent the University of Hawaii from complying with federal funding requirements.
This bill establishes uniform statewide requirements for how state and county agencies issue U and T visa certifications to noncitizen victims of crime and human trafficking. It mandates that all authorized certifying entities, such as law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and judges, adopt consistent policies and processes for verifying victim assistance. By creating these standardized procedures, the legislation aims to ensure that victims across the state have equal access to federal immigration relief programs. The law defines key roles, including certifying officials, and clarifies the specific forms and criteria needed for these certifications. Ultimately, the bill seeks to eliminate inconsistent practices that may have previously hindered victims from obtaining necessary legal protections.
This bill, signed into law on June 25, 2026, requires state and county law enforcement agencies in Hawaii to inform individuals in custody about their rights before any federal immigration interview regarding civil immigration violations can begin. Under the new rules, officers must provide a free, written consent form in accessible languages that explains the individual's right to remain silent, their right to have an attorney present, and the voluntary nature of the interview. The form allows the person to choose whether to decline the interview entirely or proceed only with their lawyer, and it clearly marks their decision. Additionally, the bill designates all records showing that federal immigration authorities accessed a detained individual as public records, increasing transparency around these interactions.
This document is a formal notification from the Governor of Hawaii to the Legislature confirming that House Bill 1163 was signed into law on May 19, 2026. The bill amends state statutes regarding commercial driver's licensing to align more closely with federal regulations. Specifically, it requires applicants to prove citizenship or lawful permanent residency and mandates that skills tests be conducted exclusively in English. Additionally, the law updates procedures for verifying medical certifications and processing waivers for drivers who do not meet certain physical standards.
This bill urges county planning and permitting agencies in Hawaii to deny all permit applications for the construction, expansion, or use of warehouses by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for detaining individuals facing deportation. The resolution directs these agencies to refuse permits specifically for facilities intended to house large numbers of people in warehouse settings, citing concerns about mass incarceration and local resource strain. It is a non-binding recommendation that applies to county-level planning departments across Hawaii's major islands. The bill does not create new laws or penalties but instead asks local officials to exercise their permitting authority to block such facilities.
This bill requests the Hawaii Department of Education to create a standardized emergency response plan for immigration enforcement activities occurring within 1,000 feet of public schools or at school-related events. The plan would provide clear guidance to school staff on how to handle encounters with federal immigration officers while prioritizing student safety and minimizing disruption to learning. Key provisions include protocols for enforcement presence, student protection measures, communication with parents, staff training, and coordination with state agencies. The resolution also mandates periodic reviews of the plan to ensure it remains current with changing laws and best practices.
This bill urges Hawaii's county planning and permitting agencies to deny all applications for building, expanding, or using warehouses by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for detaining individuals facing deportation. It is based on concerns about the potential for mass incarceration in large facilities, the strain on local resources, and the separation of individuals from their families and legal counsel. The resolution directs copies to planning officials in Honolulu, Maui, Hawaii, and Kauai counties to encourage them to reject such permit requests. It reflects Hawaii's stated values of dignity and respect for all individuals, regardless of immigration status.
This bill is a non-binding resolution urging the Governor and local mayors to reassure visitors that they will be treated safely, legally, and ethically by law enforcement agencies in Hawaii. It is based on concerns about federal immigration policies allowing warrantless searches of electronic devices and social media, which the bill argues could lead to unfair treatment of travelers. The resolution does not create new laws or change existing policies but instead calls for official statements to maintain Hawaii's reputation as a welcoming destination. It directs copies of the resolution to state and county leaders, including those in Maui, Kauai, and Honolulu.
This House Resolution asks Hawaii's Department of Education to create a standardized emergency response plan for immigration enforcement activities near public schools. The plan would apply to incidents occurring within one thousand feet of school campuses, at school-sponsored events, and on school buses during student transport. Key provisions include establishing clear protocols for handling federal immigration officers on or near school grounds, protecting student safety and emotional well-being, and ensuring consistent communication with parents and staff. The resolution also requires the department to include staff training, coordination with state agencies, and periodic updates to the plan to reflect changes in law or best practices.
