What's Being Discussed

The Hawai'i State LGBTQ+ Commission is holding its August 2026 meeting on Monday, August 10 at 2:00 PM, both in person in Honolulu and via Zoom. Key topics include:

• Introductions from the 2026–27 Commissioners, sharing their goals and what they bring to the role
• Approval of meeting minutes from January, April, May, June, and July 2026
• Chair and Finance Director reports
• Planning for the next Rainbow Pau Hana, a queer community leaders gathering
• Setting the Commission's 2027 state legislative priorities

Decisions Expected

Commissioners are expected to vote on several items, including:

• Officer elections for 2026–2027, including issue-specific Vice Chair roles (e.g., Kūpuna, Housing)
• 2027 legislative priorities, with votes on proposals such as:
  • Adding an "X" gender marker option on Hawai'i birth certificates
  • Improving how hate crimes are counted and reported statewide
  • Expanding the Commission from 8 to 11 voting members, including a seat for someone under 29
  • Requiring mental health providers to be trained in LGBTQ+ care
  • Banning non-consensual surgeries on intersex minors
  • Teaching LGBTQ+ and māhū history in K–12 and University of Hawai'i schools
  • Allowing students to use chosen names in Department of Education schools

Who Should Pay Attention

• LGBTQ+ residents and community members across all islands
• Parents, students, and educators
• Mental health professionals and healthcare workers
• Anyone interested in state civil rights and legislative policy

Public testimony is welcome. Written testimony must be submitted by August 7 at 12:00 PM to be included in the meeting packet.