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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES 320 Draft 01 2024-2026JNtV OF k� iuw 1 COUNTY OF HAWAI`I STATE OF HAWAI`I RESOLUTION NO. 320 2S. A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR DUE PROCESS AND THE PROTECTION OF CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS FOR ALL RESIDENTS OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAI`I AND AFFIRMING THE COUNTY'S COMMITMENT TO MULTICULTURALISM AND ITS IMMIGRANT HERITAGE. WHEREAS, Hawaii Island is home to a unique and vibrant multicultural society, shaped by Native Hawaiian heritage and generations of immigrants from across the Pacific, Asia, Europe, and the continental United States, who have contributed to the rich cultural, social, and economic fabric of the islands; and WHEREAS, the County of Hawaii honors its immigrant history, recognizing that many families have come to these islands seeking opportunity, safety, and freedom, and that diversity and inclusion are foundational to our community values and strength; and WHEREAS, the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments of the Constitution of the United States and Article I, Section 5 of the Constitution of the State of Hawaii guarantee fundamental rights and liberties to all individuals, including the right to due process of law, equal protection under the law, freedom of speech, religion, and assembly, and protection from unreasonable searches and seizures, ensuring that no person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without appropriate legal procedures and safeguards; and WHEREAS, these rights are not privileges, but guarantees afforded to all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, immigration status, religion, political belief, gender, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status; and WHEREAS, recent national and local events targeting immigrants have underscored the importance of reaffirming the County's commitment to upholding these constitutional rights for all residents, and remaining dedicated to the fair and impartial enforcement of laws, protecting individuals from government overreach or discriminatory practices in any form, and maintaining public trust; now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAI`I that the County of Hawaii hereby affirms its commitment to protecting and upholding the due process and constitutional rights of all its residents and reaffirms its deep respect for multiculturalism, its immigrant history, and the diverse communities that call Hawaii Island home. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all County agencies, departments, and employees are urged to carry out their duties in a manner that is consistent with the letter and spirit of the United States Constitution and the Constitution of the State of Hawaii, and reflective of the inclusive values of our community. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council requests the Mayor review all current and future agreements and memoranda with all public and private partners to ensure that the constitutional rights of all residents and our values as a multicultural society are protected. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council requests the Hawaii Police Department confine its involvement with the United States Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement to cases involving criminal activity and not assist with civil immigration actions. BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the County Clerk shall transmit a copy of this resolution to the Honorable C. Kimo Alameda, Mayor of the County of Hawaii; the Honorable Kelden B. A. Waltjen, Prosecuting Attorney; and the administrative heads of the Executive Agencies and Departments of the County. Dated at COUNTY COUNCIL County of Hawaii Hilo, Hawaii Hawaii, this day of I hereby certify that the foregoing RESOLUTION was by the vote indicated to the right hereof adopted by the COUNCIL of the County of Hawaii on ATTEST: 20 j INTRODUCED B -jlr COUNCIL MEMBER, COtNFY OF HAWAI`I ROLL CALL VOTE AYES NOES ABS EX GALIMBA HUSTACE INABA KAGIWADA KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER KIERKIEWICZ KIMBALL ONISHI VILLEGAS Reference: L-JIb/ UUN_'AU COUNTY CLERK CHAIRPERSON & PRESIDING OFFICER RESOLUTION NO. 320 25 2