HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP GOEAC 084 2025-12-02 2024-2026REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON
GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
DATE: December 2, 2025
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hilo, Hawaii
TIME: 9:00 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Re: Comm. No. 625/Res. No. 399-25
Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs, to which was referred Resolution
No. 399-25, reports as follows:
Resolution No. 399-25, transmitted by Council Members Jenn Kagiwada and Rebecca Villegas via
Communication No. 625, dated November 13, 2025, urges the State of Hawaii to protect its citizens
against unconstitutional acts committed by Federal Immigration agencies.
Member Kagiwada shared that this Resolution came about due to the conversations and testimony that
resulted when Resolution 320-25 was recently heard and passed at Council. Many of the topics that
came up discussed what the State can do, so this resolution directs State action. Ms. Kagiwada
summarized the eight actions in the first `Be It Resolved" clause within the resolution as the priorities
the County is urging the State to create legislation around regarding immigration and constitutional
protections. Member Villegas added that this piece of legislation is what the Council can do to share
the voice of the people at the County level with the State and address the concerns of the community
who have been asking for more to be done around this issue.
Committee Member Michelle M. Galimba spoke in favor of Resolution No. 399-25.
Committee Member Heather L. Kimball added that there was concern from the community around
creating a resolution rather than an ordinance and highlighted an executive order from the President
regarding eliminating federal funding to so-called sanctuary jurisdictions. Ms. Kimball added that
there is a fine line to navigate these constraints judiciously.
Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs is in accord with the purpose and
intent of Resolution No. 399-25, 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
JENNKAGIWvADA, CHAIR
GOEAC REPORT NO.: 84
ADOPTED: DEC 1 7 9095