Hawaii State LGBTQ+ Commission (Department of Human Services)
Hawaii State LGBTQ+ Commission Meeting - September 2026
Hōʻuluʻulu i Hana ʻia e AI
Nānā ʻōlelo maopopo — e hōʻoia me nā palapala kūhelu
What's Being Discussed
- Safety of LGBTQ+ inmates: State corrections officials will present on how the needs of māhū, transgender, gender expansive, and intersex incarcerated people are addressed — prompted by the death of Denise Foster at Hālawa Correctional Facility in August 2026.
- 2027 legislative priorities: The Commission will review proposals focused on expanding telehealth access and addressing youth suicide in Hawaiʻi.
- Upcoming Pride events: Planning for Kona Pride (Sept. 19) and Honolulu Pride (Oct. 17), including budget decisions.
- Commission bylaws: A proposed standards-of-conduct and ethics document for Commissioners will be reviewed.
- Ongoing community concerns: Updates on anti-LGBTQ+ policies at Maui Preparatory Academy, needs of LGBTQ+ kūpuna (elders), a "No Hate in the 808" public awareness campaign, and a statement regarding medical organizations.
Decisions Expected
- Approving minutes from the August 10, 2026 meeting
- Voting to confirm two 2027 legislative priorities: telehealth modernization and youth suicide prevention
- Setting a budget for Honolulu Pride
- Adopting Commission bylaws and ethics standards
- Voting on sponsorship for Rainbow Prom Hawaiʻi (a free youth event, Oct. 3)
- Selecting attendees for the 2027 Creating Change conference in Louisville, KY
Who Should Pay Attention
- LGBTQ+ residents of Hawaiʻi, especially māhū, transgender, and gender expansive individuals
- Families of incarcerated LGBTQ+ people
- LGBTQ+ youth and their families
- Healthcare providers and telehealth advocates
- Community organizations and advocates involved in Pride events or legislative issues
Pehea e Komo Ai
He hālāwai lehulehu kēia — aloha ʻia nā lālā kaiāulu a pau e hele mai a hāʻawi i ka hōʻike. Mālama ʻia nā hālāwai ma ke alo a hiki paha ke komo ma ka pūnaewele.