SENATE JUDICIARY CHAIR KARL RHOADS ANNOUNCES PASSAGE OF CIVIL RIGHTS HELPLINE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT MASK BILLS

HONOLULU, HAWAI'I -- Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Karl Rhoads (District 13 -- Dowsett Highlands, Pu‘unui, Nu‘uanu, Pacific Heights, Pauoa, Punchbowl, Pālama, Liliha, Iwilei, Chinatown, and Downtown) announced today that Senate Bill 2055 passed out of the Judiciary Committee. The measure will establish a statewide civil rights helpline to accept reports of hate crimes and civil rights violations including harms related to federal, state, or local immigration enforcement operations in the State of Hawaiʻi.

SB 2055 requires the Hawaiʻi Civil Rights Commission to create and maintain a 24-hour, toll-free helpline to assist individuals who have been harmed, whose immediate or extended family members have been harmed, or who have witnessed harm related to hate crimes and civil rights violations. The helpline will provide referrals to state and county assistance programs, legal and social services, crisis intervention resources, and student support services, while also allowing callers to submit anonymous reports of misconduct or harm. The Civil Rights Commission will investigate reports that fall under its jurisdiction.

Recent national incidents have heightened public concern following fatal encounters and allegations of misconduct involving federal immigration enforcement and other federal law enforcement agents across the country. These incidents have prompted renewed calls for transparency, accountability, and reliable data on the impacts of federal deployments on local communities.

“SB 2055 creates a clear and accessible pathway for people in Hawaiʻi to report civil rights concerns,” said Senator Karl Rhoads, Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee. “This measure strengthens accountability and transparency, while ensuring individuals and families know where to turn for help and resources.”

Under the bill, the helpline will include voicemail and online reporting capabilities, translation services, and disability access. All personally identifiable information will remain confidential, as required by law. The measure also requires the Civil Rights Commission to compile an annual public report using aggregated data from the helpline and to hold at least one public hearing each year to present findings. The report will identify patterns or trends, including misconduct, excessive use of force, or racial profiling, and provide recommendations for policy and training improvements.

Senator Jarrett Keohokalole (D-24 Kāne‘ohe, Kailua), the lead introducer of the bill, added, “The helpline will allow individuals, families, and the community to ensure that their experiences are being documented and their rights protected.”

The Senate Judiciary Committee held a public hearing on SB 2055 on Friday, January 30. The bill passed from the committee with amendments and now heads to the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.

Reinforcing this effort, Senate Bill 2203 passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee today, February 5. The measure will help to strengthen transparency and accountability in law enforcement, by prohibiting the use of facial coverings by law enforcement officers when interacting with the public, except under limited circumstances such as undercover assignments or safety-related conditions. Together, SB 2055 and SB 2203 reflect the Legislature’s broader commitment to addressing civil rights concerns and ensuring public trust in law enforcement activities in Hawaiʻi.

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