HB 1839: Immigration; Law Enforcement Agencies; Access to Detained Individuals; Civil Immigration Interviews; Due Process; Public Records
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: House
- Latest Version Date: 2026-05-01
Current Status:
Passed
(2026-06-26: Act 161, on 06/25/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1262).)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
Requires state and county law enforcement agencies to notify an individual in the custody of a state or county law enforcement agency of their rights before any interview with federal immigration authorities pertaining to certain matters regarding civil immigration violations can commence. Designates all records relating to federal immigration authorities' access to detained individuals provided by a state or local law enforcement agency as public records. (CD1)
Requires state and county law enforcement agencies to notify an individual in the custody of a state or county law enforcement agency of their rights before any interview with federal immigration authorities pertaining to certain matters regarding civil immigration violations can commence. Designates all records relating to federal immigration authorities access to detained individuals provided by a state or local law enforcement agency as government records. Requires state and county law enforcement agencies that have provided federal immigration authorities access to a detained individual within the previous year to hold two public forums per year. Effective 3/22/2075. (SD2)
Requires state and county law enforcement agencies to notify an individual in the custody of a state or county law enforcement agency of their rights before any interview with federal immigration authorities pertaining to certain matters regarding civil immigration violations can commence. Designates all records relating to federal immigration authorities access to detained individuals provided by a state or local law enforcement agency as government records. Requires state and county law enforcement agencies that have provided federal immigration authorities access to a detained individual within the previous year to hold two public forums per year. Effective 7/1/2055. (SD1)
Requires state and county law enforcement agencies to notify an individual in the custody of a state or county law enforcement agency of their rights before any interview with federal immigration authorities pertaining to certain matters regarding civil immigration violations can commence. Designates all records relating to federal immigration authorities access to detained individuals provided by a state or local law enforcement agency as public records. Requires state and county law enforcement agencies that have provided federal immigration authorities access to a detained individual within the previous year to hold two public forums per year. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
Requires state and county law enforcement agencies to notify an individual in the custody of a state or county law enforcement agency of their rights before any interview with the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement pertaining to certain matters regarding civil immigration violations can commence. Designates all records relating to United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement access to detained individuals provided by a state or local law enforcement agency as public records. Requires state and county law enforcement agencies that have provided the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement access to a detained individual within the previous year to hold two public forums per year. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Requires state and county law enforcement agencies to notify an individual in the custody of a state or county law enforcement agency of their rights before any interview with the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement pertaining to certain matters regarding civil immigration violations can commence. Designates all records relating to United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement access to detained individuals provided by a state or local law enforcement agency as public records. Requires state and county law enforcement agencies that have provided the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement access to a detained individual within the previous year to hold two public forums per year.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1839 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
H.D. 2 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
S.D. 2 |
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C.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO IMMIGRATION.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that, according to the American Immigration Council, the State is home to approximately 258,800 immigrants, including 29,900 undocumented immigrants. The legislature further finds that the State is justifiably proud of its rich immigrant heritage, which is reflected in a valued tapestry of races, ancestral groups, religions, cultures, and languages from many parts of the world.
The legislature further finds that the State is also proud of its strong civil rights record. Article I, section 5, of the Hawaii State Constitution affirmatively states that no person shall be denied the equal protection of the laws or the enjoyment of the person's civil rights or be discriminated against in the exercise of these rights because of race or ancestry.
The legislature notes that while immigration is a federal responsibility, state and local agencies have significant discretion regarding whether and how to respond to requests for assistance from federal immigration enforcement. The enforcement of immigration law is carried out by federal immigration authorities, including the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and United States Customs and Border Protection, both of which are agencies of the Department of Homeland Security. Federal law does not require state and local entities to collect or share information with the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and United States Customs and Border Protection. Rather, federal law, under title 8 United States Code section 1373, limits state and local governments from restricting communication with federal immigration authorities concerning information regarding the citizenship or immigration status, lawful or unlawful, of any individual. There is no affirmative duty for state and local governments to collect or share this information, and there is no prohibition against preventing the communication of other non-public information.
The legislature also finds that because the State is home to residents of diverse ethnic, racial, and national backgrounds, including immigrants who are valuable and important members of local communities, and because of the State's strong due process and civil rights protections for all, it is essential to ensure that immigrants and migrants in state and county law enforcement custody are provided due process and civil rights protections.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to:
(1) Require state and county law enforcement agencies to notify an individual in the custody of a state or local law enforcement agency of their rights before any civil immigration interview with federal immigration authorities pertaining to certain matters regarding civil immigration violations can commence; and
(2) Designate all records relating to federal immigration authorities' access to a detained individual provided by a state or county law enforcement agency as public records.
SECTION 2. Chapter 353C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§353C- Immigration; civil immigration interviews; due process and transparency; requirements. (a) Before any civil immigration interview between a federal immigration authority and an individual in law enforcement agency custody regarding civil immigration violations may commence, the law enforcement agency shall provide the individual with a written consent form that:
(1) Explains:
(A) The rights afforded under the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution, including the right to remain silent and the right to have an attorney present if represented;
(B) The interview is voluntary; and
(C) The individual may either:
(i) Decline to be interviewed; or
(ii) Choose to be interviewed only with the individual's attorney present; and
(2) Clearly provides a space for the individual to indicate that they:
(A) Consent to the interview;
(B) Consent to the interview with the individual's attorney present; or
(C) Do not consent to the interview.
(b) The written consent form required under subsection (a) shall be provided at no cost and shall be available in the languages that the office of language access provides translations for, including but not limited to:
(1) Chinese Mandarin or Cantonese;
(2) Chuukese;
(3) English;
(4) Ilokano;
(5) Japanese;
(6) Korean;
(7) Olelo Hawaii;
(8) Marshallese;
(9) Samoan;
(10) Spanish;
(11) Tagalog;
(12) Thai;
(13) Vietnamese; and
(14) Visayan;
provided that other accommodations shall be made for individuals who speak languages that the office of language access cannot provide translation.
The law enforcement agency shall provide the individual, the individual's attorney, or the individual's designated representative with a copy of the signed written consent form and retain a copy of each written consent form.
(c) Upon request, a law enforcement agency shall provide the individual with reasonable access to a telephone and a reasonable opportunity to consult with the individual's attorney before any civil immigration interview; provided that juveniles in law enforcement agency custody shall also have a reasonable opportunity to contact a parent, guardian, or legal custodian.
(d) Law enforcement agencies shall log each civil immigration interview request, including the following:
(1) Date and time of the civil immigration interview request;
(2) Whether the written consent form under subsection (a) was provided to the individual;
(3) The language used in the written consent form;
(4) Whether consent was given to a civil immigration interview;
(5) If consent was given, whether counsel was present at the interview; and
(6) If consent was given, the date and time of the civil immigration interview.
(e) Upon receiving any immigration hold, notification, or transfer request from a federal immigration authority, a law enforcement agency shall provide a copy of the request to the individual and inform the individual whether the law enforcement agency intends to comply with the request. If a law enforcement agency provides a federal immigration authority with notification that an individual is being, or will be, released on a certain date, the law enforcement agency shall promptly provide the same notification in writing within two business days to the individual and the individual's attorney or the individual's designated representative.
(f) All records relating to a federal immigration authority's access to a detained individual provided by a law enforcement agency, including all communication with the federal immigration authority, shall be public records for purposes of chapter 92F, and the exemptions provided in chapter 92F shall not apply; provided that personal identifying information of a detained individual shall be redacted before public disclosure pursuant to section 92F-13(1). Records relating to federal immigration authority access to a detained individual shall include but not be limited to:
(1) Logs maintained by the law enforcement agency pursuant to subsection (d);
(2) The date the federal immigration authority was provided the access; and
(3) Whether the federal immigration authority's access was provided through an immigration hold, notification request, or transfer, or other means.
(g) The department of the attorney general, the county prosecuting attorneys, or an agency with separate enforcement authority may receive and investigate complaints of violations of this section and issue findings and corrective orders.
(h) Any person who is or was in custody and aggrieved by a violation of this section may bring an action seeking injunctive or declaratory relief and reasonable attorneys' fees against a law enforcement agency that has violated the requirements of subsection (a) or (b).
(i) For the purposes of this section:
"Civil immigration interview" means any interview by federal immigration authorities concerning civil immigration matters of a person in the custody of a law enforcement agency.
"Federal immigration authority" means the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the United States Customs and Border Protection, or any other federal agency or component authorized to conduct civil immigration enforcement or civil immigration interviews under federal law.
"Immigration hold" means an immigration detainer issued pursuant to title 8 Code of Federal Regulations section 287.7, or any similar request from federal immigration authorities for detention of an individual suspected of violating civil immigration law.
"Law enforcement agency" means any agency of the State or any of its political subdivisions, or any officer or individual of those agencies, that is authorized to enforce criminal laws; operate correctional, detention, or juvenile detention facilities; or maintain custody of individuals in correctional, detention, or juvenile detention facilities. "Law enforcement agency" does not include any federal agency or its political subdivisions, or any officer or individual of those agencies."
SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
Report Title:
Immigration; Law Enforcement Agencies; Access to Detained Individuals; Civil Immigration Interviews; Due Process; Public Records
Description:
Requires state and county law enforcement agencies to notify an individual in the custody of a state or county law enforcement agency of their rights before any interview with federal immigration authorities pertaining to certain matters regarding civil immigration violations can commence. Designates all records relating to federal immigration authorities' access to detained individuals provided by a state or local law enforcement agency as public records. (CD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1839 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
H.D. 2 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
S.D. 2 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO IMMIGRATION.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that, according to the American Immigration Council, the State is home to approximately 258,800 immigrants, including 29,900 undocumented immigrants. The legislature further finds that the State is justifiably proud of its rich immigrant heritage, which is reflected in a valued tapestry of races, ancestral groups, religions, cultures, and languages from many parts of the world.
The legislature further finds that the State is also proud of its strong civil rights record. Article I, section 5, of the Hawaii State Constitution affirmatively states that no person shall be denied the equal protection of the laws or the enjoyment of the person's civil rights or be discriminated against in the exercise of these rights because of race or ancestry.
The legislature notes that while immigration is a federal responsibility, state and local agencies have significant discretion regarding whether and how to respond to requests for assistance from federal immigration enforcement. The enforcement of immigration law is carried out by federal immigration authorities, including the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and United States Customs and Border Protection, both of which are agencies of the Department of Homeland Security. Federal law does not require state and local entities to collect or share information with the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and United States Customs and Border Protection. Rather, federal law, under title 8 United States Code section 1373, limits state and local governments from restricting communication with federal immigration authorities concerning information regarding the citizenship or immigration status, lawful or unlawful, of any individual. There is no affirmative duty for state and local governments to collect or share this information, and there is no prohibition against preventing the communication of other non-public information.
The legislature also finds that because the State is home to residents of diverse ethnic, racial, and national backgrounds, including immigrants who are valuable and important members of local communities, and because of the State's strong due process and civil rights protections for all, it is essential to ensure that immigrants and migrants in state and county law enforcement custody are provided due process and civil rights protections.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to:
(1) Require state and county law enforcement agencies to notify an individual in the custody of a state or local law enforcement agency of their rights before any civil immigration interview with federal immigration authorities pertaining to certain matters regarding civil immigration violations can commence;
(2) Designate all records relating to federal immigration authorities access to a detained individual provided by a state or county law enforcement agency as government records; and
(3) Require state and county law enforcement agencies that have provided federal immigration authorities access to a detained individual within the previous year to hold two public forums per year.
SECTION 2. Chapter 353C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§353C- Immigration; civil immigration interviews; due process and transparency; requirements. (a) Before any civil immigration interview between a federal immigration authority and an individual in law enforcement agency custody regarding civil immigration violations may commence, the law enforcement agency shall provide the individual with a written consent form that:
(1) Explains:
(A) The rights afforded under the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution, including the right to remain silent and the right to have an attorney present if represented;
(B) The purpose of the interview, if known by the law enforcement agency;
(C) The interview is voluntary; and
(D) The individual may either:
(i) Decline to be interviewed; or
(ii) Choose to be interviewed only with the individual's attorney present; and
(2) Clearly provides a space for the individual to indicate that they:
(A) Consent to the interview;
(B) Consent to the interview with the individual's attorney present; or
(C) Do not consent to the interview.
(b) The written consent form required under subsection (a) shall be provided at no cost and shall be available in the languages that the office of language access provides translations for, including but not limited to:
(1) Chinese Mandarin or Cantonese;
(2) Chuukese;
(3) English;
(4) Ilokano;
(5) Japanese;
(6) Korean;
(7) Olelo Hawaii;
(8) Marshallese;
(9) Samoan;
(10) Spanish;
(11) Tagalog;
(12) Thai;
(13) Vietnamese; and
(14) Visayan;
provided that other accommodations shall be made for individuals who speak languages that the office of language access cannot provide translation.
The law enforcement agency shall provide the individual, the individual's attorney, or the individual's designated representative with a copy of the signed written consent form and retain a copy of each written consent form.
(c) Upon request, a law enforcement agency shall provide the individual with reasonable access to a telephone and a reasonable opportunity to consult with the individual's attorney before any civil immigration interview; provided that juveniles in law enforcement agency custody shall also have a reasonable opportunity to contact a parent, guardian, or legal custodian.
(d) Law enforcement agencies shall log each civil immigration interview request, including the following:
(1) Date and time of the civil immigration interview request;
(2) Whether the written consent form under subsection (a) was provided to the individual;
(3) The language used in the written consent form;
(4) Whether consent was given to a civil immigration interview;
(5) If consent was given, whether counsel was present at the interview; and
(6) If consent was given, the date and time of the civil immigration interview.
(e) Upon receiving any immigration hold, notification, or transfer request from a federal immigration authority, a law enforcement agency shall provide a copy of the request to the individual and inform the individual whether the law enforcement agency intends to comply with the request. If a law enforcement agency provides a federal immigration authority with notification that an individual is being, or will be, released on a certain date, the law enforcement agency shall promptly provide the same notification in writing within two business days to the individual and the individual's attorney or the individual's designated representative.
(f) All records relating to a federal immigration authority's access to a detained individual provided by a law enforcement agency, including all communication with the federal immigration authority, shall be government records for purposes of chapter 92F; provided that personal identifying information of a detained individual shall be redacted before public disclosure pursuant to section 92F-13(1). Records relating to federal immigration authority access to a detained individual shall include but not be limited to:
(1) Logs maintained by the law enforcement agency pursuant to subsection (d);
(2) The date the federal immigration authority was provided the access; and
(3) Whether the federal immigration authority's access was provided through an immigration hold, notification request, or transfer, or other means.
(g) Each law enforcement agency shall provide de-identified copies of the records maintained pursuant to subsection (f) to the department of the attorney general on a quarterly basis. The attorney general shall submit a report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session that summarizes the requests for access to detained individuals by federal immigration authorities and the outcomes of those requests, aggregated by county.
(h) The director, if a state law enforcement agency, or chief of police, if a county law enforcement agency, that has provided the federal immigration authorities access to a detained individual during the previous year shall hold at least two community forums during the following year. The community forums shall be open to the public and shall provide information to the public about federal immigration authorities' access to detained individuals and offer an opportunity to receive and consider public comment. As part of the forums, the law enforcement agency shall provide the director or chief of police with:
(1) Data it maintains regarding the number and demographic characteristics of detained individuals to whom the law enforcement agency has provided federal immigration authorities access;
(2) The date the federal immigration authority was provided the access; and
(3) Whether the federal immigration authority was provided access through an immigration hold, notification request, or transfer, or other means.
The law enforcement agency shall provide the information under paragraphs (1) to (3) to the director or chief of police in the form of statistics; provided that if statistics are not maintained, then the law enforcement agency shall provide the director or chief of police with individual records; provided further that personal identifying information of a detained individual shall be redacted.
(i) No later than December 31, 2026, the department of the attorney general shall develop and publish consent forms that meet the requirements of subsection (a) and model policies addressing requests from federal immigration authorities for access to a detained individual for law enforcement agencies to adopt.
(j) The department of the attorney general, the county prosecuting attorneys, or an agency with separate enforcement authority may receive and investigate complaints of violations of this section and issue findings and corrective orders.
(k) Any person who is or was in custody and aggrieved by a violation of this section may bring an action seeking injunctive or declaratory relief and reasonable attorneys' fees against a law enforcement agency that has violated the requirements of subsection (a) or (b).
(l) For the purposes of this section:
"Civil immigration interview" means any interview by federal immigration authorities concerning civil immigration matters of a person in the custody of a law enforcement agency.
"Federal immigration authority" means the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the United States Customs and Border Protection, or any other federal agency or component authorized to conduct civil immigration enforcement or civil immigration interviews under federal law.
"Immigration hold" means an immigration detainer issued pursuant to title 8 Code of Federal Regulations section 287.7, or any similar request from federal immigration authorities for detention of an individual suspected of violating civil immigration law.
"Law enforcement agency" means any agency of the State or any of its political subdivisions, or any officer or individual of those agencies, that is authorized to enforce criminal laws; operate correctional, detention, or juvenile detention facilities; or maintain custody of individuals in correctional, detention, or juvenile detention facilities. "Law enforcement agency" does not include any federal agency or its political subdivisions, or any officer or individual of those agencies."
SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on March 22, 2075.
Report Title:
Immigration; Law Enforcement Agencies; Access to Detained Individuals; Civil Immigration Interviews; Due Process; Public Forums
Description:
Requires state and county law enforcement agencies to notify an individual in the custody of a state or county law enforcement agency of their rights before any interview with federal immigration authorities pertaining to certain matters regarding civil immigration violations can commence. Designates all records relating to federal immigration authorities access to detained individuals provided by a state or local law enforcement agency as government records. Requires state and county law enforcement agencies that have provided federal immigration authorities access to a detained individual within the previous year to hold two public forums per year. Effective 3/22/2075. (SD2)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1839 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
H.D. 2 |
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
S.D. 1 |
|
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|
|
|
|
|
||
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO IMMIGRATION.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that, according to the American Immigration Council, the State is home to approximately 258,800 immigrants, including 29,900 undocumented immigrants. The legislature further finds that the State is justifiably proud of its rich immigrant heritage, which is reflected in a valued tapestry of races, ancestral groups, religions, cultures, and languages from many parts of the world.
The legislature further finds that the State is also proud of its strong civil rights record. Article I, section 5, of the Hawaii State Constitution affirmatively states that no person shall be denied the equal protection of the laws or the enjoyment of the person's civil rights or be discriminated against in the exercise of these rights because of race or ancestry.
The legislature notes that while immigration is a federal responsibility, state and local agencies have significant discretion regarding whether and how to respond to requests for assistance from federal immigration enforcement. The enforcement of immigration law is carried out by federal immigration authorities, including the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and United States Customs and Border Protection, both of which are agencies of the Department of Homeland Security. Federal law does not require state and local entities to collect or share information with the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and United States Customs and Border Protection. Rather, federal law, under title 8 United States Code section 1373, limits state and local governments from restricting communication with federal immigration authorities concerning information regarding the citizenship or immigration status, lawful or unlawful, of any individual. There is no affirmative duty for state and local governments to collect or share this information, and there is no prohibition against preventing the communication of other non-public information.
The legislature also finds that because the State is home to residents of diverse ethnic, racial, and national backgrounds, including immigrants who are valuable and important members of local communities, and because of the State's strong due process and civil rights protections for all, it is essential to ensure that immigrants and migrants in state and county law enforcement custody are provided due process and civil rights protections.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to:
(1) Require state and county law enforcement agencies to notify an individual in the custody of a state or local law enforcement agency of their rights before any civil immigration interview with federal immigration authorities pertaining to certain matters regarding civil immigration violations can commence;
(2) Designate all records relating to federal immigration authorities access to a detained individual provided by a state or county law enforcement agency as government records; and
(3) Require state and county law enforcement agencies that have provided federal immigration authorities access to a detained individual within the previous year to hold two public forums per year.
SECTION 2. Chapter 353C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§353C- Immigration; civil immigration interviews; due process and transparency; requirements. (a) Before any civil immigration interview between a federal immigration authority and an individual in law enforcement agency custody regarding civil immigration violations may commence, the law enforcement agency shall provide the individual with a written consent form that:
(1) Explains:
(A) The rights afforded under the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution, including the right to remain silent and the right to have an attorney present if represented;
(B) The purpose of the interview, if known by the law enforcement agency;
(C) The interview is voluntary; and
(D) The individual may either:
(i) Decline to be interviewed; or
(ii) Choose to be interviewed only with the individual's attorney present; and
(2) Clearly provides a space for the individual to indicate that they:
(A) Consent to the interview;
(B) Consent to the interview with the individual's attorney present; or
(C) Do not consent to the interview.
(b) The written consent form required under subsection (a) shall be provided at no cost and shall be available in the languages that the office of language access provides translations for, including but not limited to:
(1) Chinese Mandarin or Cantonese;
(2) Chuukese;
(3) English;
(4) Ilokano;
(5) Japanese;
(6) Korean;
(7) Olelo Hawaii;
(8) Marshallese;
(9) Samoan;
(10) Spanish;
(11) Tagalog;
(12) Thai;
(13) Vietnamese; and
(14) Visayan;
provided that other accommodations shall be made for individuals who speak languages that the office of language access cannot provide translation.
The law enforcement agency shall provide the individual, the individual's attorney, or the individual's designated representative with a copy of the signed written consent form and retain a copy of each written consent form.
(c) Upon request, a law enforcement agency shall provide the individual with reasonable access to a telephone and a reasonable opportunity to consult with the individual's attorney before any civil immigration interview; provided that juveniles in law enforcement agency custody shall also have a reasonable opportunity to contact a parent, guardian, or legal custodian.
(d) Law enforcement agencies shall log each civil immigration interview request, including the following:
(1) Date and time of the civil immigration interview request;
(2) Whether the written consent form under subsection (a) was provided to the individual;
(3) The language used in the written consent form;
(4) Whether consent was given to a civil immigration interview;
(5) If consent was given, whether counsel was present at the interview; and
(6) If consent was given, the date and time of the civil immigration interview.
(e) Upon receiving any immigration hold, notification, or transfer request from a federal immigration authority, a law enforcement agency shall provide a copy of the request to the individual and inform the individual whether the law enforcement agency intends to comply with the request. If a law enforcement agency provides a federal immigration authority with notification that an individual is being, or will be, released on a certain date, the law enforcement agency shall promptly provide the same notification in writing within two business days to the individual and the individual's attorney or the individual's designated representative.
(f) All records relating to a federal immigration authority's access to a detained individual provided by a law enforcement agency, including all communication with the federal immigration authority, shall be government records for purposes of chapter 92F; provided that personal identifying information of a detained individual shall be redacted before public disclosure pursuant to section 92F-13(1). Records relating to federal immigration authority access to a detained individual shall include but not be limited to:
(1) Logs maintained by the law enforcement agency pursuant to subsection (d);
(2) The date the federal immigration authority was provided the access; and
(3) Whether the federal immigration authority's access was provided through an immigration hold, notification request, or transfer, or other means.
(g) Each law enforcement agency shall provide de-identified copies of the records maintained pursuant to subsection (f) to the department of the attorney general on a quarterly basis. The attorney general shall submit a report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session that summarizes the requests for access to detained individuals by federal immigration authorities and the outcomes of those requests, aggregated by county.
(h) The director, if a state law enforcement agency, or chief of police, if a county law enforcement agency, that has provided the federal immigration authorities access to a detained individual during the previous year shall hold at least two community forums during the following year. The community forums shall be open to the public and shall provide information to the public about federal immigration authorities' access to detained individuals and offer an opportunity to receive and consider public comment. As part of the forums, the law enforcement agency shall provide the director or chief of police with:
(1) Data it maintains regarding the number and demographic characteristics of detained individuals to whom the law enforcement agency has provided federal immigration authorities access;
(2) The date the federal immigration authority was provided the access; and
(3) Whether the federal immigration authority was provided access through an immigration hold, notification request, or transfer, or other means.
The law enforcement agency shall provide the information under paragraphs (1) to (3) to the director or chief of police in the form of statistics; provided that if statistics are not maintained, then the law enforcement agency shall provide the director or chief of police with individual records; provided further that personal identifying information of a detained individual shall be redacted.
(i) No later than December 31, 2026, the department of the attorney general shall develop and publish consent forms that meet the requirements of subsection (a) and model policies addressing requests from federal immigration authorities for access to a detained individual for law enforcement agencies to adopt.
(j) The department of the attorney general, the county prosecuting attorneys, or an agency with separate enforcement authority may receive and investigate complaints of violations of this section and issue findings and corrective orders.
(k) Any person who is or was in custody and aggrieved by a violation of this section may bring an action seeking injunctive or declaratory relief and reasonable attorneys' fees against a law enforcement agency that has violated the requirements of subsection (a) or (b).
(l) For the purposes of this section:
"Civil immigration interview" means any interview by federal immigration authorities concerning civil immigration matters of a person in the custody of a law enforcement agency.
"Federal immigration authority" means the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the United States Customs and Border Protection, or any other federal agency or component authorized to conduct civil immigration enforcement or civil immigration interviews under federal law.
"Immigration hold" means an immigration detainer issued pursuant to title 8 Code of Federal Regulations section 287.7, or any similar request from federal immigration authorities for detention of an individual suspected of violating civil immigration law.
"Law enforcement agency" means any agency of the State or any of its political subdivisions, or any officer or individual of those agencies, that is authorized to enforce criminal laws; operate correctional, detention, or juvenile detention facilities; or maintain custody of individuals in correctional, detention, or juvenile detention facilities. "Law enforcement agency" does not include any federal agency or its political subdivisions, or any officer or individual of those agencies."
SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2055.
Report Title:
Immigration; Law Enforcement Agencies; Access to Detained Individuals; Civil Immigration Interviews; Due Process; Public Forums
Description:
Requires state and county law enforcement agencies to notify an individual in the custody of a state or county law enforcement agency of their rights before any interview with federal immigration authorities pertaining to certain matters regarding civil immigration violations can commence. Designates all records relating to federal immigration authorities access to detained individuals provided by a state or local law enforcement agency as government records. Requires state and county law enforcement agencies that have provided federal immigration authorities access to a detained individual within the previous year to hold two public forums per year. Effective 7/1/2055. (SD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1839 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
H.D. 2 |
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
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|
||
A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO IMMIGRATION.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that, according to the American Immigration Council, Hawaii is home to approximately 258,800 immigrants, including 29,900 undocumented immigrants. The legislature further finds that the State is justifiably proud of its rich immigrant heritage, which is reflected in a valued tapestry of races, ancestral groups, religions, cultures, and languages from many parts of the world.
The legislature further finds that the State is also proud of its strong civil rights record. Article I, section 5, of the Hawaii State Constitution affirmatively states that no person shall be denied the equal protection of the laws or the enjoyment of the person's civil rights or be discriminated against in the exercise of these rights because of race or ancestry.
The legislature notes that while immigration is a federal responsibility, state and local agencies have significant discretion regarding whether and how to respond to requests for assistance from federal immigration enforcement. The enforcement of immigration law is carried out by federal immigration authorities, including the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and United States Customs and Border Protection, both of which are agencies of the Department of Homeland Security. Federal law does not require state and local entities to collect or share information with the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and United States Customs and Border Protection. Rather, federal law, under title 8 United States Code section 1373, limits state and local governments from restricting communication with federal immigration authorities concerning information regarding the citizenship or immigration status, lawful or unlawful, of any individual. There is no affirmative duty for state and local governments to collect or share this information, and there is no prohibition against preventing the communication of other non-public information.
The legislature also finds that because the State is home to residents of diverse ethnic, racial, and national backgrounds, including immigrants who are valuable and important members of local communities, and because of the State's strong due process and civil rights protections for all, it is essential to ensure that immigrants and migrants in state and county law enforcement custody are provided due process and civil rights protections.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to:
(1) Require state and county law enforcement agencies to notify an individual in the custody of a state or local law enforcement agency of their rights before any civil immigration interview with federal immigration authorities pertaining to certain matters regarding civil immigration violations can commence;
(2) Designate all records relating to federal immigration authorities access to a detained individual provided by a state or county law enforcement agency as public records; and
(3) Require state and county law enforcement agencies that have provided federal immigration authorities access to a detained individual within the previous year to hold two public forums per year.
SECTION 2. Chapter 353C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§353C- Immigration; civil immigration interviews; due process and transparency; requirements. (a) Before any civil immigration interview between a federal immigration authority and an individual in law enforcement agency custody regarding civil immigration violations may commence, the law enforcement agency shall provide the individual with a written consent form that:
(1) Explains:
(A) The rights afforded under the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution, including the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney;
(B) The purpose of the interview, if known by the law enforcement agency;
(C) The interview is voluntary; and
(D) The individual may either:
(i) Decline to be interviewed; or
(ii) Choose to be interviewed only with the individual's attorney present; and
(2) Clearly provides a space for the individual to indicate that they:
(A) Consent to the interview;
(B) Consent to the interview with the individual's attorney present; or
(C) Do not consent to the interview.
(b) The written consent form required under subsection (a) shall be provided at no cost and shall be available in the languages that the office of language access provides translations for, including but not limited to:
(1) Chinese Mandarin or Cantonese;
(2) Chuukese;
(3) English;
(4) Ilokano;
(5) Japanese;
(6) Korean;
(7) Olelo Hawaii;
(8) Marshallese;
(9) Samoan;
(10) Spanish;
(11) Tagalog;
(12) Thai;
(13) Vietnamese; and
(14) Visayan;
provided that other accommodations shall be made for individuals who speak languages that the office of language access cannot provide translation.
The law enforcement agency shall provide the individual, the individual's attorney, or the individual's designated representative with a copy of the signed written consent form and retain a copy of each written consent form.
(c) Upon request, a law enforcement agency shall provide the individual with reasonable access to a telephone and a reasonable opportunity to consult with the individual's attorney before any civil immigration interview; provided that juveniles in law enforcement agency custody shall also have a reasonable opportunity to contact a parent, guardian, or legal custodian.
(d) Law enforcement agencies shall log each civil immigration interview request, including the following:
(1) Date and time of the civil immigration interview request;
(2) Whether the written consent form under subsection (a) was provided to the individual;
(3) The language used in the written consent form;
(4) Whether consent was given to a civil immigration interview;
(5) If consent was given, whether counsel was present at the interview; and
(6) If consent was given, the date and time of the civil immigration interview.
(e) Upon receiving any immigration hold, notification, or transfer request from a federal immigration authority, a law enforcement agency shall provide a copy of the request to the individual and inform the individual whether the law enforcement agency intends to comply with the request. If a law enforcement agency provides a federal immigration authority with notification that an individual is being, or will be, released on a certain date, the law enforcement agency shall promptly provide the same notification in writing within two business days to the individual and the individual's attorney or the individual's designated representative.
(f) All records relating to a federal immigration authority's access to a detained individual provided by a law enforcement agency, including all communication with the federal immigration authority, shall be public records for purposes of chapter 92F, and the exemptions provided in chapter 92F shall not apply; provided that personal identifying information of a detained individual shall be redacted before public disclosure pursuant to section 92F-13(1). Records relating to federal immigration authority access to a detained individual shall include but not be limited to:
(1) Logs maintained by the law enforcement agency pursuant to subsection (d);
(2) The date the federal immigration authority was provided the access; and
(3) Whether the federal immigration authority's access was provided through an immigration hold, notification request, or transfer, or other means.
(g) Each law enforcement agency shall provide de-identified copies of the records maintained pursuant to subsection (f) to the department of the attorney general on a quarterly basis. The attorney general shall submit a report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session that summarizes the requests for access to detained individuals by federal immigration authorities and the outcomes of those requests, aggregated by county.
(h) The director, if a state law enforcement agency, or chief of police, if a county law enforcement agency, that has provided the federal immigration authorities access to a detained individual during the previous year shall hold at least two community forums during the following year. The community forums shall be open to the public and shall provide information to the public about federal immigration authorities' access to detained individuals and offer an opportunity to receive and consider public comment. As part of the forums, the law enforcement agency shall provide the director or chief of police with:
(1) Data it maintains regarding the number and demographic characteristics of detained individuals to whom the law enforcement agency has provided federal immigration authorities access;
(2) The date the federal immigration authority was provided the access; and
(3) Whether the federal immigration authority was provided access through an immigration hold, notification request, or transfer, or other means.
The law enforcement agency shall provide the information under paragraphs (1) to (3) to the director or chief of police in the form of statistics; provided that if statistics are not maintained, then the law enforcement agency shall provide the director or chief of police with individual records; provided further that personal identifying information of a detained individual shall be redacted.
(i) No later than December 31, 2026, the department of the attorney general shall develop and publish consent forms that meet the requirements of subsection (a) and model policies addressing requests from federal immigration authorities for access to a detained individual for law enforcement agencies to adopt.
(j) The department of the attorney general, the county prosecuting attorneys, or an agency with separate enforcement authority may receive and investigate complaints of violations of this section and issue findings and corrective orders.
(k) Any person who is or was in custody and aggrieved by a violation of this section may bring an action seeking injunctive or declaratory relief and reasonable attorney's fees against a law enforcement agency that has violated the requirements of subsection (a) or (b).
(l) For the purposes of this section:
"Civil immigration interview" means any interview by federal immigration authorities concerning civil immigration matters of a person in the custody of a law enforcement agency.
"Federal immigration authority" means the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the United States Customs and Border Protection, or any other federal agency or component authorized to conduct civil immigration enforcement or interviews under federal law.
"Immigration hold" means an immigration detainer issued pursuant to title 8 Code of Federal Regulations section 287.7, or any similar request from federal immigration authorities for detention of an individual suspected of violating civil immigration law.
"Law enforcement agency" means any agency of the State or any of its political subdivisions, or any officer or individual of those agencies, that is authorized to enforce criminal laws; operate correctional, detention, or juvenile detention facilities; or maintain custody of individuals in correctional, detention, or juvenile detention facilities. "Law enforcement agency" does not include any federal agency or its political subdivisions, or any officer or individual of those agencies."
SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
Immigration; Law Enforcement Agencies; Access to Detained Individuals; Civil Immigration Interviews; Due Process; Public Forums
Description:
Requires state and county law enforcement agencies to notify an individual in the custody of a state or county law enforcement agency of their rights before any interview with federal immigration authorities pertaining to certain matters regarding civil immigration violations can commence. Designates all records relating to federal immigration authorities access to detained individuals provided by a state or local law enforcement agency as public records. Requires state and county law enforcement agencies that have provided federal immigration authorities access to a detained individual within the previous year to hold two public forums per year. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1839 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
H.D. 1 |
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|
STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO IMMIGRATION.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that, according to the American Immigration Council, the State is home to approximately 258,800 immigrants, including 29,900 undocumented immigrants. The legislature further finds that the State is justifiably proud of its rich immigrant heritage, which has woven many residents into a valued tapestry of races, ancestral groups, religions, cultures, and languages from many parts of the world.
The legislature further finds that the State is also proud of its strong civil rights record. Article I, section 5, of the Hawaii State Constitution affirmatively states that no person shall be denied the equal protection of the laws or the enjoyment of the person's civil rights or be discriminated against in the exercise of these rights because of race or ancestry.
The legislature notes that while immigration is a federal responsibility, state and local agencies have significant discretion regarding whether and how to respond to requests for assistance from federal immigration enforcement. The enforcement of immigration law is carried out by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement or United States Customs and Border Protection, both of which are agencies of the Department of Homeland Security. Federal law does not require state and local entities to collect or share information with the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and United States Customs and Border Protection. Rather, federal law, under title 8 United States Code section 1373, limits state and local governments from restricting communication with federal immigration authorities concerning information regarding the citizenship or immigration status, lawful or unlawful, of any individual. There is no affirmative duty for state and local governments to collect or share this information, and there is no prohibition against preventing the communication of other non-public information.
The legislature also finds that because the State is home to residents of diverse ethnic, racial, and national backgrounds, including immigrants who are valuable and important members of local communities, and because of the State's strong due process and civil rights protections for all, it is essential to ensure that immigrants and migrants in state and county law enforcement custody are provided due process and civil rights protections.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to:
(1) Require state and county law enforcement agencies to notify an individual in the custody of a state or local law enforcement agency of their rights before any civil immigration interview with the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement pertaining to certain matters regarding civil immigration violations can commence;
(2) Designate all records relating to United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement access to a detained individual provided by a state or county law enforcement agency as public records; and
(3) Require state and county law enforcement agencies that have provided the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement access to a detained individual within the previous year to hold two public forums per year.
SECTION 2. Chapter 353C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§353C- Immigration; civil immigration interviews; due process and transparency; requirements. (a) Before any civil immigration interview between United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and an individual in law enforcement agency custody regarding civil immigration violations may commence, the law enforcement agency shall provide the individual with a written consent form that:
(1) Explains:
(A) The purpose of the interview, if known by the law enforcement agency;
(B) The interview is voluntary; and
(C) The individual may either:
(i) Decline to be interviewed; or
(ii) Choose to be interviewed only with the individual's attorney present; and
(2) Clearly provides a space for the individual to indicate that they:
(A) Consent to the interview;
(B) Consent to the interview with the individual's attorney present; or
(C) Do not consent to the interview.
(b) The written consent form required under subsection (a) shall be provided at no cost and shall be available in the languages that the office of language access provides translations for, including but not limited to:
(1) Chinese Mandarin or Cantonese;
(2) Chuukese;
(3) English;
(4) Ilokano;
(5) Japanese;
(6) Korean;
(7) Olelo Hawaii;
(8) Marshallese;
(9) Samoan;
(10) Spanish;
(11) Tagalog;
(12) Thai;
(13) Vietnamese; and
(14) Visayan;
provided that other accommodations shall be made for individuals who speak languages that the office of language access cannot provide translation.
The law enforcement agency shall provide the individual, the individual's attorney, or the individual's designated representative with a copy of the signed written consent form and retain a copy of each written consent form.
(c) Upon request, a law enforcement agency shall provide reasonable phone access and a reasonable opportunity to consult with an individual's attorney before any civil immigration interview.
(d) Law enforcement agencies shall log each civil immigration interview request, including the following:
(1) Date and time of the civil immigration interview request;
(2) Whether the written consent form under subsection (a) was provided to the individual;
(3) The language used in the written consent form;
(4) Whether consent was given to a civil immigration interview;
(5) If consent was given, whether counsel was present at the interview; and
(6) If consent was given, the date and time of the civil immigration interview.
(e) Upon receiving any United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement immigration hold, notification, or transfer request, a law enforcement agency shall provide a copy of the request to the individual and inform the individual whether the law enforcement agency intends to comply with the request. If a law enforcement agency provides the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement with notification that an individual is being, or will be, released on a certain date, the law enforcement agency shall promptly provide the same notification in writing within two business days to the individual and the individual's attorney or the individual's designated representative.
(f) All records relating to United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement access to a detained individual provided by a law enforcement agency, including all communication with United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, shall be public records for purposes of chapter 92F, and the exemptions provided in chapter 92F shall apply; provided that personal identifying information shall be redacted before public disclosure. Records relating to United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement access to a detained individual shall include but not be limited to:
(1) Logs maintained by the law enforcement agency pursuant to subsection (d);
(2) The date the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement was provided the access; and
(3) Whether the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement access was provided through an immigration hold, transfer, or notification request, or other means.
(g) Each law enforcement agency shall provide de-identified copies of the records maintained pursuant to subsection (f) to the department of the attorney general on a quarterly basis. The attorney general shall submit a report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session that summarizes the requests for access to a detained individual by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the outcomes of those requests, aggregated by county.
(h) The director, if a state law enforcement agency, or chief of police, if a county law enforcement agency, that has provided the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement access to a detained individual during the previous year shall hold at least two community forums during the following year. The community forums shall be subject to the requirements of chapter 92 and shall provide information to the public about United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement access to detained individuals and offer an opportunity to receive and consider public comment. As part of the forums, the law enforcement agency shall provide the director or chief of police with:
(1) Data it maintains regarding the number and demographic characteristics of detained individuals to whom the law enforcement agency has provided the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement access;
(2) The date the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement was provided the access; and
(3) Whether the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement was provided access through an immigration hold, transfer, or notification request, or other means.
The law enforcement agency shall provide the information under paragraphs (1) to (3) to the director or chief of police in the form of statistics; provided that if statistics are not maintained, then the law enforcement agency shall provide the director or chief of police with individual records; provided further that the law enforcement agency shall redact any personally identifiable information.
(i) No later than December 31, 2026, the department of the attorney general shall develop and publish consent forms that meet the requirements of subsection (a) and model policies addressing requests from the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement for access to a detained individual for law enforcement agencies to adopt.
(j) The department of the attorney general, the county prosecuting attorneys, or an agency with separate enforcement authority may receive and investigate complaints of violations of this section and issue findings and corrective orders.
(k) Any person who is or was in custody and aggrieved by a violation of this section may bring an action seeking injunctive or declaratory relief and reasonable attorney's fees against a law enforcement agency that has violated the requirements of subsection (a) or (b).
(l) For the purposes of this section:
"Civil immigration interview" means any interview by federal immigration authorities concerning civil immigration matters of a person in the custody of a law enforcement agency.
"Director" means director of law enforcement.
"Immigration hold" means an immigration detainer issued pursuant to title 8 Code of Federal Regulations section 287.7, or any similar request from the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement or United States Customs and Border Protection for detention of an individual suspected of violating civil immigration law.
"Law enforcement agency" means any agency of the State or any of its political subdivisions, or any officer of those agencies, which is authorized to enforce criminal laws, operate correctional facilities or detention facilities, or maintain custody of individuals in correctional or detention facilities, and any individual or agency authorized to operate detention facilities or to maintain custody of individuals in juvenile detention facilities. "Law enforcement agency" does not include any federal agency or its political subdivisions, or any officer of those agencies, that is authorized to enforce criminal laws, operate correctional facilities, or maintain custody of individuals in correctional facilities, and any individual or agency authorized to operate detention facilities or to maintain custody of individuals in juvenile detention facilities."
SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
Immigration; Law Enforcement Agencies; Access to Detained Individuals; Civil Immigration Interviews; Due Process; Public Forums
Description:
Requires state and county law enforcement agencies to notify an individual in the custody of a state or county law enforcement agency of their rights before any interview with the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement pertaining to certain matters regarding civil immigration violations can commence. Designates all records relating to United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement access to detained individuals provided by a state or local law enforcement agency as public records. Requires state and county law enforcement agencies that have provided the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement access to a detained individual within the previous year to hold two public forums per year. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1839 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
|
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to Immigration.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that, according to the American Immigration Council, the State is home to approximately 258,800 immigrants, including 29,900 undocumented immigrants. The legislature further finds that the State is justifiably proud of its rich immigrant heritage, which has woven many residents into a valued tapestry of races, ancestral groups, religions, cultures, and languages from many parts of the world.
The legislature further finds that the State is also proud of its strong civil rights record. Article I, section 5, of the Hawaii State Constitution affirmatively states that no person shall be denied the equal protection of the laws or the enjoyment of the person's civil rights or be discriminated against in the exercise of these rights because of race or ancestry.
The legislature notes that while immigration is a federal responsibility, state and local agencies have significant discretion regarding whether and how to respond to requests for assistance from federal immigration enforcement. The enforcement of immigration law is carried out by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement or United States Customs and Border Protection, both of which are agencies of the Department of Homeland Security. Federal law does not require state and local entities to collect or share information with the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and United States Customs and Border Protection. Rather, federal law, under title 8 United States Code section 1373, limits state and local governments from restricting communication with federal immigration authorities concerning information regarding the citizenship or immigration status, lawful or unlawful, of any individual. There is no affirmative duty for state and local governments to collect or share this information, and there is no prohibition against preventing the communication of other non-public information.
The legislature also finds that because the State is home to residents of diverse ethnic, racial, and national backgrounds, including immigrants who are valuable and important members of local communities, and because of the State's strong due process and civil rights protections for all, it is essential to ensure that immigrants and migrants in state and county law enforcement custody are provided due process and civil rights protections.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to:
(1) Require state and county law enforcement agencies to notify an individual in the custody of a state or local law enforcement agency of their rights before any civil immigration interview with the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement pertaining to certain matters regarding civil immigration violations can commence;
(2) Designate all records relating to United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement access to a detained individual provided by a state or county law enforcement agency as public records; and
(3) Require state and county law enforcement agencies that have provided the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement access to a detained individual within the previous year to hold two public forums per year.
SECTION 2. Chapter 353C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§353C- Immigration; civil immigration interviews; due process and transparency; requirements. (a) Before any civil immigration interview between United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and an individual in law enforcement agency custody regarding civil immigration violations may commence, the law enforcement agency shall provide the individual with a written notice that:
(1) Explains:
(A) The purpose of the interview;
(B) The interview is voluntary; and
(C) The individual may either:
(i) Decline to be interviewed; or
(ii) Choose to be interviewed only with the individual's attorney present; and
(2) Clearly provides a space for the individual to indicate that they:
(A) Consent to the interview;
(B) Consent to the interview with the individual's attorney present; or
(C) Do not consent to the interview.
(b) The written consent form required under subsection (a) shall be provided at no cost and shall be available in the languages that the office of language access provides translations for, including but not limited to:
(1) Chinese Mandarin or Cantonese;
(2) Chuukese;
(3) English;
(4) Ilokano;
(5) Japanese;
(6) Korean;
(7) Olelo Hawaii;
(8) Marshallese;
(9) Samoan;
(10) Spanish;
(11) Tagalog;
(12) Thai;
(13) Vietnamese; and
(14) Visayan.
The law enforcement agency shall provide the individual, the individual's attorney, or the individual's designated representative with a copy of the signed written consent form and retain a copy of each written consent form.
(c) Upon request, a law enforcement agency shall provide reasonable phone access and a reasonable opportunity to consult with counsel before any civil immigration interview.
(d) Law enforcement agencies shall log each civil immigration interview request, including the following:
(1) Date and time of the civil immigration interview request;
(2) Weather the written consent form under subsection (a) was provided to the individual;
(3) The language used in the written consent form;
(4) Whether consent was given to a civil immigration interview; and
(5) If consent was given, whether counsel was present at the interview.
(e) Upon receiving any United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement immigration hold, notification, or transfer request, a law enforcement agency shall provide a copy of the request to the individual and inform the individual whether the law enforcement agency intends to comply with the request. If a law enforcement agency provides the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement with notification that an individual is being, or will be, released on a certain date, the law enforcement agency shall promptly provide the same notification in writing within two business days to the individual and the individual's attorney or the individual's designated representative.
(f) All records relating to United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement access to a detained individual provided by a law enforcement agency, including all communication with United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, shall be public records for purposes of chapter 92F, including the exemptions provided by chapter 92F; provided that personal identifying information shall be redacted before public disclosure. Records relating to United states Immigration and Customs Enforcement access to a detained individual shall include but not be limited to:
(1) Logs maintained by the law enforcement agency pursuant to subsection (d);
(2) The date the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement was provided the records; and
(3) Whether the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement access was provided through an immigration hold, transfer, or notification request, or other means.
(g) Each law enforcement agency shall provide de-identified copies of the records maintained pursuant to subsection (f) to the department of the attorney general on a quarterly basis. The attorney general shall submit a report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session that summarizes the requests for access to a detained individual by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the outcomes of those requests, aggregated by county.
(h) The director, if a state law enforcement agency, or chief of police, if a county law enforcement agency, that has provided the United States Immigrations and Customs Enforcement access to a detained individual during the previous year shall hold at least two community forums during the following year. The community forums shall be subject to the requirements of chapter 92 and shall provide information to the public about United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement access to detained individuals and to receive and consider public comment. As part of the forums, the law enforcement agency shall provide the director or chief of police with:
(1) Data it maintains regarding the number and demographic characteristics of detained individuals to whom the law enforcement agency has provided the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement access;
(2) The date the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement was provided the access; and
(3) Whether the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement was provided access through an immigration hold, transfer, or notification request, or other means.
The law enforcement agency shall provide the information under paragraphs (1) to (3) to the director or chief of police in the form of statistics; provided that if statistics are not maintained, then the law enforcement agency shall provide the director or chief of police with individual records; provided further that the law enforcement agency shall redact any personally identifiable information.
(i) No later than December 31, 2026, the department of the attorney general shall develop and publish consent forms that meet the requirements of subsection (a) and model policies addressing requests from the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement for access to a detained individual for law enforcement agencies to adopt.
(j) The department of the attorney general may receive and investigate complaints of violations of this section and issue findings and corrective orders.
(k) An aggrieved person may bring an action seeking injunctive or declaratory relief and reasonable attorney's fees against a law enforcement agency who has violated the requirements of subsection (a) or (b).
(l) For the purposes of this section:
"Civil immigration interview" means any interview by federal immigration authorities concerning civil immigration matters of a person in the custody of a law enforcement agency.
"Director" means director of law enforcement.
"Immigration hold" means an immigration detainer issued pursuant to title 8 Code of Federal Regulations section 287.7, or any similar request from the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement or United States Customs and Border Protection for detention of an individual suspected of violating civil immigration law.
"Law enforcement agency" means any agency of the State or any of its political subdivisions, or any officer of those agencies, which is authorized to enforce criminal laws, operate correctional facilities, or maintain custody of individuals in correctional facilities, and any individual or agency authorized to operate detention facilities or to maintain custody of individuals in juvenile detention facilities. "Law enforcement agency" does not include any federal agency or its political subdivisions, or any officer of those agencies, that is authorized to enforce criminal laws, operate correctional facilities, or maintain custody of individuals in correctional facilities, and any individual or agency authorized to operate detention facilities or to maintain custody of individuals in juvenile detention facilities."
SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
|
INTRODUCED BY: |
_____________________________ |
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|
Report Title:
Immigration; Law Enforcement Agencies; Access to Detained Individuals; Civil Immigration Interviews; Due Process; Public Forums
Description:
Requires state and county law enforcement agencies to notify an individual in the custody of a state or county law enforcement agency of their rights before any interview with the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement pertaining to certain matters regarding civil immigration violations can commence. Designates all records relating to United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement access to detained individuals provided by a state or local law enforcement agency as public records. Requires state and county law enforcement agencies that have provided the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement access to a detained individual within the previous year to hold two public forums per year.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
Date
|
Status
|
|---|---|
| Jun 26, 2026 | Act 161, on 06/25/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1262). |
| Jun 26, 2026 | Act 161, 06/25/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1262). |
| May 8, 2026 | Received notice of passage on Final Reading in House (Hse. Com. No. 888). |
| May 7, 2026 | Transmitted to Governor. |
| May 6, 2026 | Received notice of Final Reading (Sen. Com. No. 816). |
| May 6, 2026 | Passed Final Reading as amended in CD 1 with Representative(s) Kila, Shimizu voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Alcos, Garcia, Kong, Pierick voting no (4) and none excused (0). |
| May 6, 2026 | Passed Final Reading, as amended (CD 1). Ayes, 23; Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 2 (Senator(s) Awa, Fevella). Excused, 0 (none). |
| May 1, 2026 | 48 Hrs. Notice (as amended CD 1) 05-06-26 |
| May 1, 2026 | Reported from Conference Committee as amended CD 1 (Conf. Com. Rep. No. 187-26). |
| May 1, 2026 | Forty-eight (48) hours notice Wednesday, 05-06-26. |
| May 1, 2026 | Reported from Conference Committee (Conf Com. Rep. No. 187-26) as amended in (CD 1). |
| May 1, 2026 | The Conference Committee recommends that the measure be Passed, with Amendments. The votes were as follows: 5 Ayes: Representative(s) Ilagan, Tarnas, Hussey, Tam, Gedeon; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| May 1, 2026 | The Conference committee recommends that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes of the Senate Conference Managers were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Fukunaga, Wakai, Rhoads, Lee, C.; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Apr 30, 2026 | Conference committee meeting to reconvene on 05-01-26 3:30PM; Conference Room 016. |
| Apr 29, 2026 | Conference committee meeting to reconvene on 04-30-26 3:30PM; CR 016. |
| Apr 28, 2026 | Conference committee meeting scheduled for 04-29-26 3:30PM; Conference Room 016. |
| Apr 27, 2026 | Received notice of Senate conferees (Sen. Com. No. 760). |
| Apr 24, 2026 | Senate Conferees Appointed: Fukunaga Chair; Wakai, Rhoads, Lee, C. Co-Chairs. |
| Apr 20, 2026 | Received notice of appointment of House conferees (Hse. Com. No. 786). |
| Apr 20, 2026 | House Conferees Appointed: Ilagan, Tarnas, Hussey Co-Chairs; Tam, Gedeon. |
| Apr 20, 2026 | Re-referred to ECD, JHA, FIN, referral sheet 30 |
| Apr 17, 2026 | Received notice of disagreement (Hse. Com. No. 780). |
| Apr 16, 2026 | House disagrees with Senate amendment (s). |
| Apr 14, 2026 | Returned from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 627) in amended form (SD 2). |
| Apr 14, 2026 | Report Adopted; Passed Third Reading, as amended (SD 2). Ayes, 22; Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 3 (Senator(s) Awa, DeCorte, Fevella). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House. |
| Apr 10, 2026 | 48 Hrs. Notice 04-14-26. |
| Apr 10, 2026 | Reported from JDC/WAM (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 3776) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading, as amended (SD 2). |
| Apr 8, 2026 | The committee(s) on JDC recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in JDC were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Rhoads, Gabbard, Chang, San Buenaventura; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 1 No(es): Senator(s) Awa; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Apr 8, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in WAM were as follows: 12 Aye(s): Senator(s) Dela Cruz, Moriwaki, DeCoite, Elefante, Hashimoto, Inouye, Kanuha, Kidani, Kim, Lee, C., Richards, Wakai; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 1 No(es): Senator(s) Fevella; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Apr 6, 2026 | The committee(s) on JDC/WAM will hold a public decision making on 04-08-26 10:15AM; Conference Room 211 & Videoconference. |
| Mar 30, 2026 | Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to JDC/WAM. |
| Mar 30, 2026 | Reported from PSM/EIG (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 3294) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to JDC/WAM. |
| Mar 23, 2026 | The committee(s) on PSM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in PSM were as follows: 3 Aye(s): Senator(s) Fukunaga, Lee, C., Hashimoto; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 1 No(es): Senator(s) DeCorte; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Inouye. |
| Mar 23, 2026 | The committee(s) on EIG recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in EIG were as follows: 3 Aye(s): Senator(s) Wakai, Chang; Aye(s) with reservations: Senator(s) Richards ; 2 No(es): Senator(s) DeCoite, Fevella; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Mar 16, 2026 | The committee(s) on PSM/EIG has scheduled a public hearing on 03-23-26 3:00PM; Conference Room 016 & Videoconference. |
| Mar 12, 2026 | Referred to PSM/EIG, JDC/WAM. |
| Mar 12, 2026 | Passed First Reading. |
| Mar 12, 2026 | Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 295). |
| Mar 10, 2026 | Passed Third Reading as amended in HD 2 with Representative(s) Gedeon, Kila, Matsumoto voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Alcos, Garcia, Kong, Muraoka, Shimizu voting no (5) and Representative(s) Pierick excused (1). Transmitted to Senate. |
| Mar 6, 2026 | Forty-eight (48) hours notice Tuesday, 03-10-26. |
| Mar 6, 2026 | Reported from JHA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1122-26) as amended in HD 2, recommending passage on Third Reading. |
| Feb 25, 2026 | The committee on JHA recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 7 Ayes: Representative(s) Tarnas, Poepoe, Cochran, Hashem, Kahaloa, Sayama, Takayama; Ayes with reservations: none; 2 Noes: Representative(s) Garcia, Shimizu; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Belatti. |
| Feb 23, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by JHA on Wednesday, 02-25-26 2:00PM in House conference room 325 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Feb 17, 2026 | Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on JHA with none voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Alcos, Garcia, Pierick voting no (3) and Representative(s) Cochran, Lee, M., Poepoe excused (3). |
| Feb 17, 2026 | Reported from ECD (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 335-26) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to JHA. |
| Feb 6, 2026 | The committee on ECD recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 7 Ayes: Representative(s) Ilagan, Hussey, Holt, Tam, Templo, Yamashita, Gedeon; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and Excused: none. |
| Feb 2, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by ECD on Friday, 02-06-26 8:30AM in House conference room 423 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Jan 26, 2026 | Referred to ECD, JHA, referral sheet 1 |
| Jan 23, 2026 | Introduced and Pass First Reading. |
| Jan 22, 2026 | Pending introduction. |
|
Date
|
Description
|
Location
|
Votes
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 6, 2026 | Final Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
|
| May 6, 2026 | Final Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| Apr 14, 2026 | Third Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| Apr 8, 2026 | The committee(s) on JDC recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary |
Passed |
|
| Apr 8, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Ways and Means |
Passed |
|
| Mar 23, 2026 | The committee(s) on PSM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs |
Passed |
|
| Mar 23, 2026 | The committee(s) on EIG recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs |
Passed |
|
| Mar 10, 2026 | Third Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
|
| Feb 25, 2026 | The committee on JHA recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs |
Passed |
|
| Feb 6, 2026 | The committee on ECD recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Economic Development & Technology |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
|
Organization
|
Position
|
Date
|
|---|---|---|
| ACLU of Hawaiʻi | *** Support | Mar 23, 2026 |
| Aloha Independent Living Hawaii (AILH) | *** Support | Mar 23, 2026 |
| Chamber of Sustainable Commerce | ** Support | |
| County of Hawai‘i Police Department | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
| Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi | ** Support | |
| El Pueblo en Acción / Maui | *** Support | Feb 25, 2026 |
| Faith Action for Community Equity | ** Support | |
| Fujiwara & Rosenbaum, LLLC | ** Support | |
| Green Party of Hawaiʻi | ** Support | |
| Hawaii Filipino Lawyers Association (HFLA) | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
| Hawaii Police Department | *** Against | Feb 25, 2026 |
| Hawaiʻi Alliance for Progressive Action | ** Support | |
| Hawaiʻi Civil Rights Commission | ** Support | |
| Hawaiʻi Coalition for Immigrant Rights (HCIR) | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
| Hawai‘i County Council - Council Member District 2 | *** Support | Feb 6, 2026 |
| Hawai‘i County Council - District 2 | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
| Honolulu Hawaii NAACP | *** Support | Feb 6, 2026 |
| HULI PAC | ** Support | |
| Individual | *** Support | Feb 25, 2026 |
| Individual | *** Against | Feb 25, 2026 |
| indivisible | *** Support | Mar 23, 2026 |
| Indivisible Hawaii | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
| Indivisible Hawaii Statewide Network | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
| Indivisible Windward | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
| Kaua‘i Police Department | *** Against | Feb 25, 2026 |
| Kona Indivisible | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
| League of Women Voters of Hawaii | *** Support | Mar 23, 2026 |
| Maui Police Department | *** Against | Feb 25, 2026 |
| Mercado de la Raza | *** Support | Mar 23, 2026 |
| Na Kama Kai | ** Support | |
| NAACP | ** Support | |
| Office of the Public Defender | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
| Pacific Gateway Center | ** Support | |
| Pride at Work Hawaiʻi | ** Support | |
| Pride at Work – Hawai‘i | *** Support | Feb 25, 2026 |
| Public First Law Center | *** Support | Mar 23, 2026 |
| Roots Reborn | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
| Stonewall Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi | ** Support | |
| The Legal Clinic (TLC) | *** Support | Mar 23, 2026 |
| UNITE HERE Local 5 | *** Support | Feb 25, 2026 |
| Unite Here Local 5 | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
| Waipahu Safe Haven Immigrant/Migrant Resource Service | ** Support | |
| Waipahu Safe Haven Immigrant/Migrant Resource Center | *** Support | Feb 25, 2026 |
| Wesley United Methodist Church | *** Support | Feb 25, 2026 |
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1122-26
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2026
RE: H.B. No. 1839
H.D. 2
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2026
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred H.B. No. 1839, H.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO IMMIGRATION,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this measure is to:
(1) Require state and county law enforcement agencies to notify an individual in custody of their rights before any civil immigration interview with the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement may commence;
(2) Designate all records relating to Immigration and Customs Enforcement access to detained individuals as public records; and
(3) Require state and county law enforcement agencies that have provided such access within the previous year to hold two public forums per year.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Office of the Public Defender; Hawaiʻi Civil Rights Commission; one member of the Hawaiʻi County Council; Mercado de La Raza; Indivisible Hawaiʻi State Network; Stonewall Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi; Faith Action for Community Equity; Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi; Nā Kama Kai; Roots Reborn; UNITE HERE Local 5; Hawaiʻi Coalition for Immigrant Rights; Indivisible Hilo; American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaiʻi; Public First Law Center; Fujiwara & Rosenbaum, LLLC; Hawaii Filipino Lawyers Association; Green Party of Hawaiʻi; Waipahu Safe Haven Immigrant/Migrant Resource Service; Pride at Work Hawaiʻi; The Legal Clinic; and numerous individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Maui Police Department; Kauaʻi Police Department; Hawaiʻi Police Department; and two individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Office of Information Practices.
Your Committee finds that individuals in state or county custody often face significant confusion regarding their rights during civil immigration interviews, particularly when they may not fully understand the voluntary nature of the interview or their ability to request counsel. Your Committee further finds that limited public transparency regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement access to detained individuals has contributed to community concern and reduced trust in local law enforcement. Your Committee believes that establishing clear notification requirements, public reporting, and mandatory community forums will enhance due process protections and strengthen public confidence in how civil immigration matters are handled statewide.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Adding a definition of "federal immigration authority" and replacing references to the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement with "federal immigration authority";
(2) Adding an explanation of rights afforded under the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution to the information provided in the written consent form;
(3) Requiring law enforcement agencies to provide juveniles in their custody with a reasonable opportunity to contact a parent, guardian, or legal custodian;
(4) Clarifying that records relating to a federal immigration authority's access to a detained individual are not subject to public records exemptions;
(5) Clarifying that the community forums will be open to the public;
(6) Requiring certain personal identifying information to be redacted;
(7) Amending the definition of "law enforcement agency"; and
(8) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1839, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1839, H.D. 2.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs,
|
|
|
____________________________ DAVID A. TARNAS, Chair |
|
|
|
|
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 335-26
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2026
RE: H.B. No. 1839
H.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2026
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Economic Development & Technology, to which was referred H.B. No. 1839 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO IMMIGRATION,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this measure is to:
(1) Require state and county law enforcement agencies to notify an individual in custody of their rights before any civil immigration interview with United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement may commence;
(2) Designate all records relating to United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement access to a detained individual as public records; and
(3) Require state and county law enforcement agencies that provided access within the previous year to hold two public community forums annually.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Office of the Public Defender; one member of the Hawaiʻi County Council; Marchante LLC dba Mercado de La Raza; NAACP; Pacific Gateway Center; League of Women Voters of Hawaii; Hawaiʻi Coalition for Immigrant Rights; American Civil Liberties Union; Pride at Work Hawaiʻi; Public First Law Center; Hawaiʻi Alliance for Progressive Action; Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi; Fujiwara & Rosenbaum, LLLC; HULI PAC; Waipahu Safe Haven Immigrant/Migrant Resource Center; Chamber of Sustainable Commerce; American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaiʻi; Roots Reborn; and numerous individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Hawaii Police Department; Kauaʻi Police Department; and four individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Office of Information Practices.
Your Committee finds that Hawaii's immigrant communities are an essential part of the State's social fabric and that strong constitutional and civil rights protections require clear procedures when state or county law enforcement interacts with federal immigration authorities. Your Committee further finds that ensuring transparency, informed consent, and community engagement will strengthen due process protections for individuals in custody and improve public trust in law enforcement practices.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Clarifying that, for purposes of the written consent form, a law enforcement agency must explain the purpose of the interview if known and that accommodations shall be made for individuals who speak languages for which the Office of Language Access cannot provide translation;
(2) Requiring the logs of civil immigration interview requests to include the date and time of the interview;
(3) Authorizing the county prosecuting attorneys or an agency with separate enforcement authority to investigate complaints and issue findings and orders;
(4) Including detention facilities within the definition of "law enforcement agency";
(5) Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and
(6) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Economic Development & Technology that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1839, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1839, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Economic Development & Technology,
|
|
|
____________________________ GREGGOR ILAGAN, Chair |
|
|
|
|
|
Date
|
Testimony PDF
|
|---|---|
| Apr 7, 2026 | HB1839_SD1_TESTIMONY_WAM-JDC_04-08-26_.PDF |
| Mar 23, 2026 | HB1839_HD2_TESTIMONY_PSM-EIG_03-23-26_.PDF |
| Feb 25, 2026 | HB1839_HD1_TESTIMONY_JHA_02-25-26_.PDF |
| Feb 6, 2026 | HB1839_TESTIMONY_ECD_02-06-26_.PDF |
Discussed in Hearing
Senate Floor
Conference Committee
Conference Committee
Conference Committee
Senate Standing Committee on Ways and Means
Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary
Senate Standing Committee on Health and Human Services
Senate Standing Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):