HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES 320 Draft 01 2024-2026A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR DUE PROCESS AND THE PROTECTION OF CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS FOR ALL RESIDENTS OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAIʻI AND AFFIRMING THE COUNTY'S COMMITMENT TO MULTICULTURALISM
AND ITS IMMIGRANT HERITAGE.
WHEREAS, Hawaiʻi 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 Hawaiʻi 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 Hawaiʻi 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 HAWAIʻI that the County of Hawaiʻi 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 Hawaiʻi 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 Hawaiʻi, 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 Hawaiʻi 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 Hawai‘i; the Honorable Kelden B. A. Waltjen,
Prosecuting Attorney; and the administrative heads of the Executive Agencies and Departments of the County.
Dated at _____________, Hawai‘i, this ______ day of ___________________, 20___.
INTRODUCED BY:
_______________________________________
COUNCIL MEMBER, COUNTY OF HAWAI‘I
COUNTY COUNCIL
County of Hawai‘i
Hilo, Hawai‘i
ROLL CALL VOTE
AYES
NOES
ABS
EX
GALIMBA
HUSTACE
I hereby certify that the foregoing RESOLUTION was by
the vote indicated to the right hereof adopted by the COUNCIL of the
County of Hawai‘i on _____________________________________.
INABA
KAGIWADA
KĀNEALI‘I-KLEINFELDER
KIERKIEWICZ
ATTEST:
KIMBALL
ONISHI
VILLEGAS
Reference:
COUNTY CLERK CHAIRPERSON & PRESIDING OFFICER
RESOLUTION NO.