STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2826

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2055

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 2055, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO CIVIL RIGHTS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to provide a clear, accessible way for the State's residents to report and get help for harms caused by federal enforcement activities in Hawaii, including harms caused by military deployments, federal law enforcement actions, or immigration enforcement operations.

More specifically, the measure establishes, requires reports for, and appropriates moneys for a twenty-four hour helpline for the public to report to the Civil Rights Commission alleged civil rights violations or harms caused by certain federal entities.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, State Health Planning and Development Agency, Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights, UNITE HERE Local 5, Rainbow Family 808, KahuPuna, Imua Alliance, Roots Reborn Maui, and numerous individuals.

Your Committee finds that the increased presence of federal enforcement officers in cities throughout the country makes it necessary for the State to provide certain protections. The helpline established and funded by this measure provides a simple pathway for individuals to report alleged civil rights violations that may occur during federal agent deployments, federal law enforcement activities, and immigration enforcement operations within the State.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2055, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

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DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair