Honolulu Charter Amendment Question 6

Endorsement

Indivisible Hawaiʻi Statewide Network (IHSN) supports Question 6. In its 2026 charter amendment voter guide, IHSN says the measure would:

•
Keep HPD focused on local public safety
•
Protect constitutional rights regardless of immigration status
•
Preserve community trust in HPD
•
Require identity verification of requesting agencies
•
Distinguish judicial authority from ICE administrative paperwork
•
Place these protections in the Charter, rather than relying only on state laws the Legislature could amend

The ballot question

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

Source: Honolulu Charter Commission voter guide

What the Charter would say

Question 6 adds a new subsection (b) to Charter Section 6-1604, which lists the powers and duties of the Chief of Police. The final amendment text reads:

“The Chief of Police shall adopt and enforce policies to ensure that all persons within the City and County of Honolulu, regardless of immigration or citizenship status, are protected in their lawful exercise of rights guaranteed by the United States and Hawaiʻi Constitutions. Law enforcement officers shall not assist in or facilitate immigration enforcement activities except as required by state or federal statute, or pursuant to a valid and unexpired judicial warrant, state or federal court order, or subpoena issued by a state or federal court of competent jurisdiction, and only after the identity of the requesting federal immigration authority and the legal basis for the requested assistance has been verified in accordance with procedures established by the Chief of Police. For purposes of this section, immigration enforcement has the same meaning as provided under applicable state law.”

The remaining duties in Section 6-1604 are unchanged; they are relettered to make room for the new subsection.

How it relates to state law

In an October 13, 2026 Civil Beat commentary, supporters Amy Agbayani and Bettina Mok write:

“This amendment will work in harmony with the laws recently enacted by Gov. Josh Green (Act 141 and Act 161 of 2026), provide clearer guidance for local law enforcement officials, and preserve the Honolulu Charter as an enduring statement reflecting the City and County of Honolulu’s values and governing principles.”

IHSN also argues that writing these protections into the Charter avoids depending solely on state laws that the Legislature could later amend. Question 6 defines “immigration enforcement” by reference to applicable state law.

How the proposal developed

Question 6 came from the community. As supporters Amy Agbayani and Bettina Mok write in Civil Beat, it “was not introduced by a super PAC, a government official or special corporate interests. It was introduced by Honolulu resident Jess Moore, who simply wanted the way we treat immigrants to reflect our local values.” The Hawaiʻi Coalition for Civil Rights and immigrant justice advocates backed it, and HPD “shared their perspective and refined the proposed amendment into its current state.”

It moved through the Charter Commission as Proposal P045, with public testimony, and the final version was approved July 20, 2026. Civil Beat and Hoodline covered the proposal and HPD’s position in May 2026.

Residents can shape the Charter too. The Honolulu Charter Commission is appointed every 10 years and accepts proposals and testimony from the public.

How to vote

The General Election is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. For ballot mailing dates, voter service centers, drop boxes, and registration, see the Hawaiʻi Office of Elections.