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Honolulu City Council adopts resolution affirming due‑process rights for immigrants after hours of testimony
Summary
The Honolulu City Council voted to adopt Resolution 25‑301, reaffirming due‑process and constitutional protections for all residents including noncitizens after more than an hour of public testimony urging protections for immigrant communities. Administration officials said existing city practice already aligns with the resolution.
The Honolulu City Council on Dec. 17 adopted Resolution 25‑301 (CR391 / Resolution 25‑301 CD1), a statement reaffirming that city agencies should respect constitutional due‑process protections for all residents, including immigrants and mixed‑status families.
Dozens of residents, students and immigrant‑services groups urged the council to approve the measure during an extended public‑comment period. “Immigration status is not black and white,” said Melissa Yamanaka, a student and resident, who urged the council to support the resolution to rebuild trust so residents will report crimes and access services. Elizabeth Saldana, a University of Hawaii student, told council members she has seen families afraid to send children to school over immigration fears.
Supporters said the resolution matters for victims of domestic violence and other vulnerable groups who may avoid reporting crimes when they fear immigration consequences. Christina Sablan of a legal clinic urged the council to follow the resolution with agency reviews and funding for immigration legal services so residents can meaningfully exercise rights.
Deputy Managing Director Christian Jahn and corporation counsel told the council the administration already follows constitutional protections and would continue to do so. Jahn confirmed the administration’s position that city employees must operate within charter limits and applicable law.
Council members voiced support while a small number recorded reservations. Council member Weier, who introduced the measure, said the resolution sends an important message that people should feel safe seeking city services. Council member dos Santos Tam and others said they regretted that some committee language was struck earlier but welcomed the administration’s assurances.
The council recorded reservations for a handful of members but adopted the resolution. The measure does not itself change city code; it directs agencies to review practices and confirm compliance with constitutional protections.
What’s next: The resolution calls for review of city agreements and practices and signals council support for measures to protect due process and community trust.
