What's Being Discussed

The Hawai'i State LGBTQ+ Commission is holding its rescheduled February 2026 meeting on Friday, February 27, from 2:00–4:00 PM. It can be attended in person in Honolulu or online via Zoom. Key topics include:

• Special presentation by retired Judge Daniel Foley, a civil rights attorney, on what federal LGBTQ+ protections remain as federal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs are rolled back
• Updates from commissioners representing Honolulu, Maui, and Kaua'i, plus state agency representatives
• A letter the Commission sent to donors of Maui Preparatory Academy regarding that school's policies toward LGBTQ+ students
• Planning for a Rainbow Pau Hana community gathering for queer leaders across the islands
• Efforts to address the needs of LGBTQ+ older adults, including māhū, transgender, non-binary, and intersex kūpuna
• Discussion on improving hate crimes data collection
• Review of the Commission's 2026 legislative priorities, including bills on conversion therapy bans, anti-discrimination protections, IVF insurance coverage, and protections against sex-based harassment in schools

Decisions Expected

• Election of a Secretary for the Commission (the seat is currently vacant)
• Vote on travel budget for neighbor island commissioners to attend the Rainbow Pau Hana event
• Votes to formally support several state bills related to LGBTQ+ rights, including protections against conversion therapy and discrimination

Who Should Pay Attention

• LGBTQ+ residents of Hawai'i, especially those concerned about changes to federal civil rights protections
• Older LGBTQ+ adults and their families and caregivers
• Students, parents, and educators at public schools and the University of Hawai'i
• Anyone interested in submitting public testimony on LGBTQ+ issues in state government