Bill > SB775

This bill prohibits state and local law enforcement agencies in Hawaii from collaborating with federal immigration authorities (specifically U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection) except under very specific circumstances. The law prevents law enforcement from complying with civil immigration detainers (requests to hold individuals for immigration purposes) unless accompanied by a judicial warrant signed by a federal judge with probable cause. The bill also bars law enforcement agencies from using their resources, money, or personnel to enforce federal immigration laws, and restricts sharing non-public information about individuals with immigration authorities. Agencies are still allowed to share basic citizenship information and can comply with court orders or subpoenas. The bill's legislative findings emphasize protecting immigrant communities, maintaining trust between law enforcement and residents, and avoiding the financial burden of federal immigration enforcement. The legislation is grounded in the understanding that Hawaii has approximately 254,000 immigrants, including 50,500 undocumented immigrants, and seeks to protect these communities while maintaining public safety. Importantly, the bill allows individual political subdivisions to establish even more stringent protections for immigrants.

Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=775&year=2026