Question 6: Constitutional Rights & Immigration Policy

Official ballot wording

Should the Charter be amended to require the Honolulu Police Department to 1) adopt policies to ensure the constitutional rights of all persons regardless of immigration or citizenship status are protected, and 2) assist federal immigration enforcement activities only when required by statute or court order, and after the requesting agency’s identity and authority have been confirmed?

Official explanation

Present situation: The Charter currently requires the Honolulu Police Department to preserve the public peace, protect the rights of persons and property, prevent crime, and enforce state laws and City ordinances. It does not establish policies governing the Department's role in federal immigration enforcement or specify when officers may assist federal immigration authorities. Under Hawaii State Law, Act 141 (2026) prohibits all state and county law enforcement agencies, including the Honolulu Police Department, from providing information to federal immigration authorities for the purposes of immigration enforcement, but does not prohibit the Honolulu Police Department from complying with a judicial warrant, court order, or subpoena. If proposal passes: The Charter would require the Chief of Police to adopt and enforce policies protecting the lawful exercise of rights guaranteed by the United States and Hawaiʻi Constitutions for all persons, regardless of immigration or citizenship status. Law enforcement officers could assist with or facilitate federal immigration enforcement activities only when required by a verifiable state or federal statute or a court order. Before providing assistance, officers would also be required to verify the identity and legal authority of the requesting agency through official channels for each individual action.

This explanation is attributed to the linked official source.

Originating legislation or resolution

P045 ↗

Officials' votes to refer a proposal and the public's election vote on the question are separate records. A linked proposal alone does not establish approval by voters.

Public election results

No public election result has been imported for this question.