Aloha State News

Mayor Rick Blangiardi signed Bill 25: Relating to Anti-Bias and Inclusion Policy into law today at Honolulu Hale. The bill, introduced in 2021 by then Councilmember Carol Fukunaga and championed by Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam upon his election to the Honolulu City Council, will go into effect upon signature and will be implemented into City training protocols by January 1, 2024.

“Our diversity is one of the most special things about O‘ahu. The vibrant and varied backgrounds, cultures, and opinions of our residents and employees enrich all our lives,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “It is critical for those of us who work for the City and County of Honolulu lead by example in embracing and celebrating these differences. The training and policies established by Bill 25 are key to ensuring that all people know they are included.”

The purpose of Bill 25 is to promote an environment that embraces diversity and safety for the citizenry and employees of the City and County of Honolulu by establishing a policy of anti-bias and inclusion for all City officers and employees, including those with different perspectives, views, or opinions. 

“We are here to send a message to our City employees and the community at large: whatever your background, we see you, we value you, and we welcome you. We’re here to protect our employees and make sure they can do their best work each and every day,” said Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam

“Our City employees represent the full diversity of our community.  We owe it to them to provide a safe and welcoming work environment as they serve the residents of O'ahu,” said Councilmember Matt Weyer.

To read the Bill 25 in its entirety, please visit https://hnldoc.ehawaii.gov/hnldoc/measure/1850. The signed bill will be posted to this page once it is received and processed by the City Clerk’s office.

Original source can be found here.