Honolulu voters to decide on immigration and data charter amendments

Oʻahu voters will consider several charter amendment proposals during the upcoming November general election.

Question 6 addresses the role of the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) in federal immigration enforcement. The proposal seeks to amend the Honolulu City Charter to require HPD to protect the constitutional rights of all persons regardless of citizenship status. Under this amendment, officers would only assist federal immigration activities when required by statute or court order, following verification of the requesting agency’s authority. Proponents suggest this would align the department with recent state laws, such as Act 141 and Act 161, and provide permanent boundaries that remain consistent regardless of changes in state law or mayoral leadership.

Question 15 proposes the establishment of a permanent Office of Data and Innovation and a chief data officer within the Honolulu Charter. This position would serve as a steward for city records, including information from car registrations, 311 reports, and social service applications. Supporters argue that permanent stewardship is necessary to manage data as a public good and to ensure consistent standards for data privacy, governance, and artificial intelligence across city departments. The positions are reportedly already fully funded.