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Immigration Policy

Immigration Policy in Honolulu, HI: What Residents Actually Need to Know

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

If you live in Honolulu or are thinking about moving there, immigration policy are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Honolulu has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of immigration policy, and some of them might surprise you.

Sanctuary Policy Preemption

Honolulu adopted Resolution 17-78 declaring itself a Welcoming City and Hawaiʻi limits state and local cooperation with federal civil immigration enforcement under HRS §28-12, though the framework stops short of a full sanctuary statute.

Key details: City policy: Resolution 17-78 (2017). State limit: HRS §28-12 (Act 64). ICE detainers: Require judicial warrant. HPD posture: No status inquiries.

City employees who breach Resolution 17-78 face administrative discipline. Officers who violate HRS §28-12 may be subject to internal affairs review and civil suits for unlawful detention beyond the underlying state authority.

E-Verify Mandates

Hawaiʻi does not require private employers to use the federal E-Verify system, and Honolulu has no city ordinance imposing electronic employment verification, leaving compliance with federal Form I-9 as the only universal hiring obligation.

Key details: State E-Verify mandate: None. City E-Verify mandate: None. Federal contractor rule: FAR §22.18 applies. I-9 deadline: 3 business days.

Federal I-9 violations expose employers to ICE penalties from $272 to over $27,000 per worker. Discrimination based on national origin or document abuse triggers HCRC and federal Immigrant and Employee Rights Section enforcement.

The rules around e-verify mandates in Honolulu lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

The Bottom Line

Honolulu's immigration policy rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Honolulu is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Honolulu can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.