State of Hawaii Archives: on Immigration


Andria Tupola: No in-state tuition for illegals; let local police enforce

Q: Should immigrants unlawfully present in the US who graduate from Hawaii high schools be eligible for in-state tuition at public universities?

A: No. I believe State funds should be focused on educating Hawaii's long-term residents. Federal law (8 U.S. Code 1623) prohibits immigrants unlawfully present to be eligible for in-state tuition at public universities.

Q: Do you support the enforcement of federal immigration laws by state and local police?

A: Yes. I do not support conforming to federal standards if it means that we lose the unique identity of our state curriculums whether cultural or immersion based. I believe the state should have autonomy in school curriculum decisions. I believe we can set our own standard that may be higher than what is required by federal standards.

Source: Hawaii Gubernatorial Election 2018 Political Courage Test Nov 1, 2018

Bob McDermott: Open border policy is harmful to American security

The current Biden open Boards [sic] policy is harmful to Americans security relating to terrorism, drugs, and human trafficking. For Hawaii, it is an insult to those of our fellow citizens who followed the rules and immigrated to America legally. They did it right, now they petition for family members who must wait years, while those south of the Boarder [sic] walk right in. Unfair.
Source: 2022 Hawaii Senate campaign website VoteMcDermott.com Mar 17, 2022

Cam Cavasso: Protect the borders; prevent illegal entry

Question topic: Government should enforce laws designed to protect the border and to prevent illegal entry of persons into the country.

Cavasso: Strongly Agree.

Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Hawaii Senate race Sep 30, 2014

David Ige: Hawai'i welcomes refugees

Hawai'i has a proud history as a place immigrants of diverse backgrounds can achieve their dreams through hard work. Many of our people also know all too well the consequences of giving in to fear of newcomers. The remains of the internment camp at Honouliuli are a sad testament to that fear. We must remain true to our values and be vigilant where we see the worst part of history about to be repeated.
Source: BigIslandNow.com on 2018 Hawaii gubernatorial race Jan 30, 2017

Duke Aiona: No in-state tuition for illegal immigrants

Q: Should illegal immigrants who graduate from Hawaii high schools be eligible for in-state tuition at public universities?

A: No.

Source: Hawaii Gubernatorial Election 2010 Political Courage Test Nov 1, 2010

Eddie Pirkowski: Protect the borders; prevent illegal entry

Question topic: Government should enforce laws designed to protect the border and to prevent illegal entry of persons into the country.

Pirkowski: Strongly Agree

Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Hawaii Senate race Jul 2, 2014

Eddie Pirkowski: No wall; no deportation

Q: Do you support the construction of a wall along the Mexican border?

A: No.

Q: Do you support requiring immigrants who are unlawfully present to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship?

A: No.

Source: VoteSmart Hawaii 2018 Political Courage Test Jul 4, 2018

John Carroll: Require undocumented adults to return home, but not children

Q: Do you support requiring illegal immigrants to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship?

A: Yes

Q: Do you support allowing illegal immigrants, who were brought to the United States as minors, to pursue citizenship without returning to their country of origin?

A: Yes

Q: Do you support the enforcement of federal immigration law by state and local police?

A: Yes

Source: VoteSmart 2012 Hawaii Political Courage Test Nov 1, 2012

Kirk Caldwell: Not a sanctuary city, but protected undocumented immigrants

A report shows a huge increase in arrests of undocumented immigrants since President Trump took office, but some cities are refusing to help with the federal crackdown. Honolulu is not one of these so-called 'sanctuary cities,' but it is close. "We're doing everything that is requested by a sanctuary city status without actually declaring that we're one. And I think it's all in the actions and not just the words," Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said.
Source: Hawaii News Now on 2022 Hawaii Gubernatorial race May 18, 2017

Mazie Hirono: Why do we treat children of illegal immigrants as criminals?

During a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on immigrant family separations, Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) was left "confused" after Matthew Albence, Executive Associate Director for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), explained how immigrants break the law if they cross the border illegally.

"These individuals are there because they have broken a law. There has to be a process," Albence replied.

"They have broken a law but only as deemed so by the president with his--," Hirono started to rebut.

"No ma'am. They are there for violation of Title 8 of the U.S. Nationality Act, U.S.C. 1325," Albence interjected. "That's illegal entry; it is both a criminal and civil violation. They are in those FRCs [Family Residential Centers] pending the outcome of that civil immigration process."

"My understanding is that under zero-tolerance, these are no longer civil proceedings, but in fact were criminal proceedings," Hirono said. "I'm confused," Hirono replied after a moment's hesitation.

Source: Independent Journal Review on 2018 Hawaii Senate race Jul 31, 2018

Ron Curtis: Base immigration policy on meeting job market needs

We need a more dynamic immigration policy based on government known facts. I propose a needs-based policy that allows for a higher immigration rate when unemployment is low and a lower rate when unemployment is high. I propose making the immigration process more like an application for those jobs where the market data indicates the need. I propose prioritizing the needs-based immigration in accepting immigrants from countries that are under-represented in America's population diversity.
Source: 2018 Hawaii Senate campaign website RonCurtis808.com Aug 8, 2018

  • The above quotations are from State of Hawaii Politicians: Archives.
  • Click here for definitions & background information on Immigration.
  • Click here for other issues (main summary page).
2016 Presidential contenders on Immigration:
  Republicans:
Gov.Jeb Bush(FL)
Dr.Ben Carson(MD)
Gov.Chris Christie(NJ)
Sen.Ted Cruz(TX)
Carly Fiorina(CA)
Gov.Jim Gilmore(VA)
Sen.Lindsey Graham(SC)
Gov.Mike Huckabee(AR)
Gov.Bobby Jindal(LA)
Gov.John Kasich(OH)
Gov.Sarah Palin(AK)
Gov.George Pataki(NY)
Sen.Rand Paul(KY)
Gov.Rick Perry(TX)
Sen.Rob Portman(OH)
Sen.Marco Rubio(FL)
Sen.Rick Santorum(PA)
Donald Trump(NY)
Gov.Scott Walker(WI)
Democrats:
Gov.Lincoln Chafee(RI)
Secy.Hillary Clinton(NY)
V.P.Joe Biden(DE)
Gov.Martin O`Malley(MD)
Sen.Bernie Sanders(VT)
Sen.Elizabeth Warren(MA)
Sen.Jim Webb(VA)

2016 Third Party Candidates:
Gov.Gary Johnson(L-NM)
Roseanne Barr(PF-HI)
Robert Steele(L-NY)
Dr.Jill Stein(G,MA)
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Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023