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.'-Hawai'i State Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,
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ti° r r ns ender, Queer Plus Commission
Advocating for the Hawaii LGBTQIA+ Community
Mailing Address: LGBTQ+ Commission, c/o The Department of Human Services, Email: hawaiistatelgbtgpluscommission(a)gmail.com
P.O. Box 339, Honolulu, Hawai'i 96809-0339 Web: https://humanservices.hawaii.gov4gbtg-commission/
March 17, 2025 -
Hawai'i County Council's Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs
Hearing: Tuesday, March 18, 2025
RE: Strong Opposition for Resolution 74-25
Aloha Chair Kagiwada, and committee members,
I am writing in strong opposition of Senate Concurrent Resolution 179 on behalf of the Hawai'i State
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Plus (LGBTQ+) Commission, which was established by
the 2022 Hawai'i State Legislature with the following purpose:
"...to improve the State's interface with members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender,
queer, plus community; identify the short- and long-range needs of its members; and ensure
that there is an effective means of researching, planning, and advocating for the equity of
this population in all aspects of state government."
The Hawai'i State LGBTQ+ Commission strongly opposes Resolution 74-25, which seeks to
authorize the Mayor of Hawai'i County to enter into intergovernmental agreements with federal and
state agencies that include partnerships between the Hawai'i Police Department (HPD) and the
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for immigration and customs enforcement, as well as with
the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) regarding the Safe Streets Task Force.
Our opposition is rooted in the fact that these agreements will disproportionately harm marginalized
communities, particularly LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants, and people of color who are already
vulnerable to over -policing, surveillance, and discrimination. Such agreements undermine the trust
between law enforcement and the communities they are sworn to protect and serve.
Threat to Immigrant and LGBTQIA+ Communities
Collaboration between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities has historically led
to racial profiling, wrongful detentions, and heightened fear within immigrant communities. This fear
extends to LGBTQIA+ immigrants, who often experience compounded discrimination and violence,
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both in their home countries and within detention centers. By allowing HPD to engage with DHS on
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immigration enforcement, Hawai'i County risks alienating vulnerable communities who will be less
likely to seek assistance from law enforcement, report crimes, or participate as witnesses due to fear
of deportation or retribution.
LGBTQIA+ immigrants, particularly transgender and gender -nonconforming individuals, face
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alarming rates of violence, harassment, and inadequate medical care when placed in immigration
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detention facilities. Studies have shown that LGBTQ+ individuals are 97 times more likely to be
Proudly established pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 369, as enacted through Act 41, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022
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HI State LGBTQ+ Commission Testimony in Strong Opposition of Resolution 74-25
sexually victimized in detention, making any collaboration that increases the likelihood of their
detention deeply concerning and morally indefensible.
Erosion of Community Trust
Hawai'i has a long-standing commitment to embracing diversity, protecting human rights, and
fostering trust between public institutions and the people they serve. Authorizing HPD to engage with
DHS and the FBI in this manner is a direct contradiction to these values. Community trust in law
enforcement erodes when officers are seen as extensions of federal immigration authorities, making
it less likely that members of marginalized communities will report crimes or engage with public
safety initiatives.
Impact on Safe Streets Task Force Agreement
Similarly, participation in the Safe Streets Task Force has been linked to increased surveillance and
policing of communities of color, LGBTQIA+ communities, and other marginalized populations.
Federal task forces often operate with minimal transparency and limited oversight, which increases
the potential for civil rights violations and reduced accountability.
Potential for Civil Liberties Violations
Given the history of civil rights abuses associated with federal law enforcement partnerships, we are
deeply concerned that these agreements will infringe on the civil liberties of Hawai'i's most
vulnerable residents. Entrusting HPD with these federal partnerships introduces unnecessary risks
to public safety, accountability, and community well-being.
A Call for Accountability and Compassion
Rather than pursuing policies that criminalize and marginalize our communities, we urge Hawai'i
County to prioritize restorative justice, culturally sensitive policing practices, and community -based
approaches to public safety that uplift and protect all residents.
For these reasons, the Hawai'i State LGBTQ+ Commission strongly urges the Committee on
Governmental Operations and External Affairs to reject Resolution 74-25 and uphold Hawai'i's
legacy of compassion, inclusion, and justice for all.
Should you or any member of your staff have any questions regarding this testimony you can reach
the Hawaii State LGBTQ+ Commission at hawaiistatelabtaoluscommission(o)amail.com.
Mahalo for the opportunity to provide testimony.
Respectfully Submitted,
Michael Golojuch, Jr. (he/him)
Vice Chair
Hawaii State LGBTQ+ Commission
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