Immigration

introduced · Hawaii · Senate May 19, 2026

GM 1119: Informing the Legislature that on May 19, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB1163 HD1 SD2 CD1 (ACT 019).

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.

Topics ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationBill restricts access to commercial driver's licenses by mandating proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency and requiring English-only skills tests.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Citizenship & Naturalization Driver Licenses & IDs

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 10, 2026

HCR 185: URGING ALL COUNTY PLANNING AND PERMITTING AGENCIES TO DENY ALL PERMIT APPLICATIONS RELATED TO THE CONSTRUCTION, EXPANSION, OR USE OF WAREHOUSES BY UNITED STATES IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF DETAINING INDIVIDUALS FACING DEPORTATION.

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.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill restricts ICE detention facilities, limiting federal criminal justice enforcement capabilities and opposing mass incarceration practices.90% confidence ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationBill restricts ICE detention facilities by denying permits, limiting federal immigration enforcement capacity at state level95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Detention Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 21, 2026

SB 2798: RELATING TO LAW ENFORCEMENT.

Makes permanent the Agricultural Enforcement Pilot Program established pursuant to Act 235, SLH 2025. Renames the program as the Agricultural Enforcement Program and expands the program statewide. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationExpands agricultural enforcement program, increasing state-level immigration enforcement targeting workers, aligning with 'oppose' indicators.95% confidence

Tags Agriculture

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Jan 21, 2026

SB 794: RELATING TO IMMIGRATION DETENTION FACILITIES.

Prohibits the Department of Land and Natural Resources and Board of Land and Natural Resources from disposing of or approving the use or setting aside of public lands for the establishment of any immigration detention facility. Prohibits state and county agencies from contracting with the federal government for this purpose.

Topics ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationProhibits state land use for immigration detention facilities and blocks state agencies from contracting with federal government for this purpose, limiting state cooperation with federal enforcement.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Detention Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Jan 21, 2026

SB 206: RELATING TO PROPERTY.

Prohibits nonresident aliens and businesses and trusts that are significantly controlled by nonresident aliens from acquiring certain residential property in the State, except as otherwise provided by law.

Topics ✗ HousingOpposes HousingProhibits nonresident aliens/businesses from acquiring residential property, restricting housing development access and limiting market participation.95% confidence ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationProhibits nonresident aliens from acquiring residential property, restricting immigration-related property rights and access.95% confidence

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in committee · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 22: RELATING TO COLLABORATION WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

Allows state and county law enforcement agencies to collaborate with the federal government for immigration purposes in only limited, specific circumstances.

Topics ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationAllows state law enforcement to collaborate with federal immigration enforcement under limited circumstances, enabling federal enforcement cooperation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Driver Licenses & IDs Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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