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REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON <br />GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS <br />DATE: October 7, 2025 <br />PLACE: Council Chambers <br />Hilo, Hawaii <br />TIME: 1:00 P.M. <br />Council Chair and Members <br />Hawaii County Council <br />Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br />Re: Comm. No. 516/Res. No. 320-25 <br />Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs, to which was referred <br />Resolution No. 320-25, reports as follows: <br />Resolution No. 320-25, transmitted by Council Member Michelle M. Galimba via <br />Communication No. 516, dated September 19, 2025, expresses support for due process and the <br />protection of constitutional rights for all residents of the County of Hawaii and affirms the <br />County's commitment to multiculturalism and its immigrant heritage. <br />This resolution requests that the Mayor review existing and potential agreements with public and <br />private partners to ensure constitutional rights of residents are protected, and requests the Hawaii <br />Police Department limit its involvement with the United States Department of Homeland <br />Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement to cases involving criminal activity. <br />Member Galimba began by stating that much of what is contained within this resolution should <br />not have to be stated, but based on community concerns and witnessing what has been occurring <br />she wants these rights to be restated for residents. Additionally, she said that as the search for our <br />next Police Chief is underway, she believes it is important and timely to reaffirm these rights. <br />She said that she considered what would be most helpful for the immigrant community and <br />wanted to work on additional next steps and support within the County Immigration Office. <br />Committee Member Heather L. Kimball agreed that something like this should not be necessary <br />and that, hopefully, democracy and the courts would help save us, but as she is doubtful of that <br />happening, she is appreciative of bringing forth this resolution. She asked if we could take action <br />at the County level regarding prohibiting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agents <br />from masking and require identification. Corporation Counsel Renee Schoen said she would <br />have to investigate whether that could be addressed at the County level. <br />Committee Member Dennis "Fresh" Onishi said that he would like to see in the final enacting <br />clause that the resolution be distributed to state and national officials. <br />Committee Members Rebecca Villegas, Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, and James E. Hustace spoke <br />in support of this resolution. <br />GOEAC Report No. 75 <br />