HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP GOEAC 075 2025-10-07 2024-2026REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON
GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
DATE: October 7, 2025
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hilo, Hawaii
TIME: 1:00 P.M.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Re: Comm. No. 516/Res. No. 320-25
Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs, to which was referred
Resolution No. 320-25, reports as follows:
Resolution No. 320-25, transmitted by Council Member Michelle M. Galimba via
Communication No. 516, dated September 19, 2025, expresses support for due process and the
protection of constitutional rights for all residents of the County of Hawaii and affirms the
County's commitment to multiculturalism and its immigrant heritage.
This resolution requests that the Mayor review existing and potential agreements with public and
private partners to ensure constitutional rights of residents are protected, and requests the Hawaii
Police Department limit its involvement with the United States Department of Homeland
Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement to cases involving criminal activity.
Member Galimba began by stating that much of what is contained within this resolution should
not have to be stated, but based on community concerns and witnessing what has been occurring
she wants these rights to be restated for residents. Additionally, she said that as the search for our
next Police Chief is underway, she believes it is important and timely to reaffirm these rights.
She said that she considered what would be most helpful for the immigrant community and
wanted to work on additional next steps and support within the County Immigration Office.
Committee Member Heather L. Kimball agreed that something like this should not be necessary
and that, hopefully, democracy and the courts would help save us, but as she is doubtful of that
happening, she is appreciative of bringing forth this resolution. She asked if we could take action
at the County level regarding prohibiting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agents
from masking and require identification. Corporation Counsel Renee Schoen said she would
have to investigate whether that could be addressed at the County level.
Committee Member Dennis "Fresh" Onishi said that he would like to see in the final enacting
clause that the resolution be distributed to state and national officials.
Committee Members Rebecca Villegas, Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, and James E. Hustace spoke
in support of this resolution.
GOEAC Report No. 75
GOEAC-75 Page 2 October 7, 2025
Committee Chair Jenn Kagiwada explained that there is a map on the ICE website with a map
that shows where the Immigration and Nationality Act Section 287(g) agreements are in place
for states and counties to work directly with federal agents on deportation. She continued to
explain that there are only a few states where these agreements are not the default and
highlighted the importance of this resolution to affirm our County's stance on this issue. She
mentioned the difference between criminal activity and civil violations in regards to immigration
enforcement. She said that next budget season, she would like to see the addition of an employee
for the County Immigration Office in Kona, ideally one that speaks Spanish, to help support that
community.
Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs is in accord with the purpose
and intent of Resolution No. 320-25, and recommends its adoption.
slm
AYES
NOES
ABS
EX
GALIMBA
X
HUSTACE
X
INABA
X
KAGIWADA
X
KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER
X
KIERKIEWICZ
X
KIMBALL
X
ONISHI
X
VILLEGAS
X
Respectfully submitted,
COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL
OPERATIONS AND
EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
JEIRN KAf IWA, CHAIR
GOEAC REPORT.NO.: 75
ADOPTED: OCT 2 2 20q