Events

Upcoming & Ongoing Events


Event | In-Person
LIBRARY

Every Story Matters: Celebrating the Freedom to Read in Hawaiʻi

Hawaiʻi is celebrating "Every Story Matters Week" from October 4–10, 2026, to champion intellectual freedom and the freedom to read. Coinciding with the American Library Association’s national Banned Books Week, this statewide initiative brings together the ACLU of Hawaiʻi, the Hawaiʻi Association of School Librarians, the Hawaiʻi Library Association, and the Hawaiʻi State Public Library System to encourage community dialogue and highlight diverse perspectives.
Oct 04, 2026 | 12:00 AM (HST)
Event | Virtual
NKVE_Oct 14 Training_mobilize (1)_20261001133002884011

No Kings Coalition: Know Your Federal Voting Rights on 10/14

Ensuring every eligible American can exercise their right to vote freely, safely, and without intimidation during these elections will take all of us. On Wednesday, October 14th at 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT / 3PM HST, join the No Kings Coalition for a Know Your Federal Voting Rights Training. We’ll cover our federal voting rights, potential barriers to voter participation, and ways you can access disability-related accommodations and language assistance at the polls.
Oct 14, 2026 | 3:00 PM (HST)
Event | In-Person
HNLPRIDE

Honolulu Pride

Honolulu Pride 2026: Schedule & Details Theme: Hoʻomau: Pride that Endures & ThrivesDates: October 14 – October 18, 2026ACLU of Hawaiʻi Presence: Festival Booth & Parade Marchers 🗓️ SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17 (MAIN EVENTS) Honolulu Pride Parade Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Location/Route: Starts at Magic Island and proceeds down Kalākaua Avenue through Waikīkī. Admission: Free and open to the public. Come cheer on the ACLU of Hawaiʻi contingent! Honolulu Pride Festival Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM Location: Tom Moffatt Waikīkī Shell & Diamond Head Greens Admission: Free (VIP tickets available separately). Details: Features over 70 community booths, live local music, food vendors, and a dedicated Deaf/Allies space with ASL access. Be sure to stop by the ACLU of Hawaiʻi booth for resources and advocacy gear. 📅 HONOLULU PRIDE WEEK AT A GLANCE Oct 14 (Wed): Kick-Off Pau Hana | International Market Place | 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM Oct 15 (Thu): Pride Concert ft. Big Freedia | Hawaiʻi Theatre Center Oct 16 (Fri): Official Opening Party | Scarlet Honolulu | 10:00 PM – 2:00 AM Oct 17 (Sat): Pride Parade & Festival (Details above) Oct 17 (Sat): Official After Party | Hula’s Bar and Lei Stand | 9:00 PM – 2:00 AM Oct 18 (Sun): Pride Drag Brunch | ʻAlohilani Resort | 11:00 AM Oct 18 (Sun): "Hangover" Closing Party | Location TBA
Oct 17, 2026 | 12:00 AM (HST)
Event | In-Person
NOKINGSOCT

No Dictators: Vote Early [Hawai‘i State Capitol, Honolulu]

Event Details Hawaiʻi State Capitol Location: 415 S Beretania St, Honolulu, HI 96813 Date & Time: October 17, 2026 (Check local Mobilize Page for exact morning/afternoon timing updates) Focus: Nonpartisan voter registration checks, absentee ballot preparation, and making a plan to vote early. St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (Waiʻanae / Kapolei area) Location: 85-787 Farrington Hwy, Waiʻanae, HI 96792 Date & Time: October 17, 2026 Focus: Community voter education alongside open food distribution shelves About the Movement We decide who represents us. We decide what comes next. For more than a year, millions of people have come together to reject the idea that power belongs to kings, billionaires, or politicians who believe they are above the people and the law. Now, we are taking the next step, turning people power into voter power. Unlike previous No Kings actions, No Dictators: Vote Early, is not purely a protest. Instead, on October 17th, it's a day of nonpartisan voter participation: we are bringing our community together to make a plan to vote early and ensuring every eligible voter understands their options for how to vote and has the opportunity to make their voice heard. Because no one person gets to decide our leaders before voters do. On October 17th, join us in local events across the country as we get out the early vote and say it loud: no thrones, no crowns, no dictators. *No Dictators: Vote Early events are nonpartisan and are designed to increase participation from all eligible voters. A core principle behind all No Dictators events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events. Accessibility This event meets ADA standards
Oct 17, 2026 | 11:00 AM (HST)
Event | Virtual
CSCM

Clean Slate Coalition Meeting

The ACLU of Hawaiʻi is proud to stand alongside community partners, faith leaders, and directly impacted families as a founding member of the Clean Slate Hawaiʻi coalition. As we prepare for the crucial 2027 legislative push to pass an automated record-shielding law, we are inviting our members and local advocates to join the campaign's very first coalition meeting. Event Details Event: Clean Slate Hawaiʻi Coalition Meeting Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2026 Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Our Goal: Learn why this campaign is a critical pillar of our pretrial and penal code reform efforts, what legislative strategy lies ahead, and how you can take action. Why the ACLU of Hawaiʻi is Fighting for Clean Slate Our current criminal legal system creates a permanent underclass by trapping people in a cycle of poverty long after they have completed their sentences. In Hawaiʻi, a criminal record acts as a lifelong barrier to basic needs like safe housing, steady employment, and higher education. We believe that wealth should not determine freedom, and past mistakes should not dictate a person's future. By implementing an automated record-shielding system, Hawaiʻi can remove these systematic hurdles, uphold true constitutional rights, and ensure that individuals who have earned their second chance can fully support their families and uplift our communities. How to Take Action This inaugural meeting is your chance to get on the ground floor of a major civil rights victory. Attendees will receive a briefing on the campaign's upcoming milestones, including the state task force's November report and our coordination strategies for the 2027 legislative session. Register now
Oct 28, 2026 | 6:00 PM (HST)
Event | In-Person
FAITH

Faith & Politics — Difficult Conversations on the Rise of Christian Nationalism

Defending our civil liberties means confronting the forces that seek to undermine them. Join the ACLU of Hawaiʻi, alongside our partners at The Interfaith Alliance Hawai'i, Faith in Action, and Mindful Hawai'i, for a critical community panel discussion: "Faith & Politics: Difficult Conversations on the Rise of Christian Nationalism." Together, we will explore the rise of Christian Nationalism, its threat to religious freedom and democratic institutions, and how we can protect pluralism in our communities. 🗓️ Event Details Date: Thursday, October 29 Doors Open: 5:30 p.m. Program: 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. RSVP: bit.ly/faithandpolitics2026
Oct 29, 2026 | 5:30 PM (HST)
Event | In-Person
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Waiʻanae Expungement Clinic

Join us for a free community legal clinic dedicated to helping you clear your record and secure your future. Presented by the ACLU of Hawaiʻi in partnership with local community organizations, the Hawaiʻi State Judiciary, the Office of the Public Defender, the UH Mānoa William S. Richardson School of Law, and the Hawaiʻi Workers Center, this event offers free, vital legal resources directly to the Waiʻanae community. Old or minor legal entanglements should not prevent you from securing stable housing, advancing your education, or finding meaningful employment. At this clinic, volunteer legal professionals will be on-site to assist community members with navigating the expungement process and addressing minor legal barriers safely and entirely free of charge. Event Details Date: Saturday, November 21, 2026 Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Location: Waiʻanae Coast Comprehensive Health Center (WCCHC) Main Campus Address: 86-260 Farrington Hwy, Waiʻanae, HI 96792 Services Offered Arrest Record Expungement: Assistance clearing qualified, non-conviction arrest records. Bench Warrant Recalls: Help resolving outstanding district court bench warrants safely. Streamlined Legal Support: Take advantage of an automated expungement tool developed by the UH law school to significantly accelerate your application processing. Attendee Logistics & Information Parking: Free public visitor parking is available throughout the WCCHC campus. Capacity: The venue accommodates up to 230 participants. Services are provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
Nov 21, 2026 | 10:00 AM (HST)

Past Events


Event | In-Person
A Historic Moment for Immigrants’ Rights: Community Advocates Join in a Day of Remembrance, Celebration, and Solidarity

A Historic Moment for Immigrants’ Rights: Community Advocates Join in a Day of Remembrance, Celebration, and Solidarity

Community advocates from the Campaign for Immigrant Justice led by the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaiʻi (“ACLU of HI”), the Hawaiʻi Coalition for Immigrant Rights (“HCIR”), and The Legal Clinic will join Governor Josh Green and other community organizations in commemorating the historic signing of major immigrant justice laws while also honoring those who have lost their lives in immigration detention and enforcement actions.   At a time when immigration enforcement actions adversely and dangerously impact communities across the country, Hawaiʻi is setting the standard with the signing of one of the strongest immigrant justice laws in the country. While this moment calls for relief and celebration from the many legislators and community advocates who supported, organized, and lobbied for this critical legislation, it also calls for a moment of reflection and remembrance of the nearly 60 individuals who have lost their lives while in immigration related detention and enforcement.  
Jul 28, 2026 | 12:30 PM (HST)
Event | In-Person
Post-Session Open Mic Pau Hana

Post-Session Open Mic Pau Hana

Join the ACLU of Hawaiʻi for an evening celebrating our collective wins from the 2026 legislative session at an open mic pau hana! Whether it’s a live performance of poetry, music, or another art form, we also invite you to share your talents with the community. Please register to attend or perform by Friday, May 15. Spots for open-mic performances are limited, so we encourage you to register as soon as possible. Light refreshments will be provided. Drinks from Café VNTG will be available for purchase during the event. Parking: Street parking is recommended.
May 21, 2026 | 5:30 PM (HST)
Event | In-Person
Reimagining Public Safety in Hawai‘i Coalition Dinner and Film Screening of 13th

Reimagining Public Safety in Hawai‘i Coalition Dinner and Film Screening of 13th

Reimagining Public Safety in Hawai‘i Coalition Dinner and Film Screening of 13th Time: 6:00 – 9:00 pm Dates and Locations: May 15 - O‘ahu - Central Union Church of Honolulu May 20 - Maui - Teran James Young Center May 21 - Hawai‘i Island - Island Nation May 23 - Kaua‘i - Hale Līhu‘e Join us for a free dinner and screening of the documentary 13th to learn about the history of the American criminal legal system and discuss how it has taken root in Hawai‘i. The free dinners include vegan and GF options.
May 15, 2026 | 6:00 PM (HST)
Event | In-Person
No Dictators Peace March

No Dictators Peace March

Once again, communities of faith and our youth are leading the march for civil rights and the rule of law. Join us as we march to the Capitol for the No Dictators 3.0 protest! We will convene at Thomas Square (parking available at the Blaisdell Center) at 9:30am — coffee and pastries available — and begin the march to the Hawai‘i State Capitol at 10:15am. Contact Irwin Jiang ([email protected]) or Dianne Brookins ([email protected]) for details and pre-event activities (poster making, etc.) This is the Moment. This is the Movement. Come be a part of it!
Mar 28, 2026 | 9:30 AM
Event | In-Person
Know Your Rights: Immigration Enforcement at Honoka‘a Public Library

Know Your Rights: Immigration Enforcement at Honoka‘a Public Library

This presentation will provide an overview of the increased immigration enforcement nationwide and in Hawai'i, and cover legal information and basic "Know Your Rights" materials in the context of immigration arrests, protests, and how to interact with ICE agents. This KYR training will be conducted by ACLU of Hawai‘i Immigrants' Rights Attorney Leilani Stacy.
Mar 12, 2026 | 5:00 PM
Event | In-Person
Cultivating Peace & Refuge: Third Annual Community Iftar Dinner

Cultivating Peace & Refuge: Third Annual Community Iftar Dinner

On February 28, the ACLU of Hawai‘i hosted its third annual community Iftar Dinner — an evening of reflection on how we can cultivate refuge, peace, and solidarity to build a true and lasting foundation of belonging across our communities. At its heart, Iftar is far more than just the meal that breaks the fast during Ramadan. While the food is certainly a highlight, the true essence of the evening lies in its ability to pause and bring a community together for a shared moment of recalibration and reconnection. Watch a reel from the evening here.
Feb 28, 2026 | 4:30 PM
Event | Virtual
Habeas 101 Training

Habeas 101 Training

The ACLU of Hawai‘i conducted a virtual Habeas 101 Training for legal professionals and advocates interested in learning about habeas petitions in the immigration context. This training covers the basic components of a petition and focus on how immigration law practitioners can identify detained clients who may be eligible for a petition. It was held as a Zoom Webinar by our Immigrants' Rights Attorney Leilani Stacy and ACLU of Massachusetts Managing Attorney Dan McFadden.
Feb 24, 2026 | 12:00 PM
Event | In-Person
Building Collective Power Through Community Organizing - Faith Action 2026

Building Collective Power Through Community Organizing

Join us for a transformative two-day leadership training designed to strengthen faith-based community organizing in Hawaiʻi. Led by experienced facilitators from Organizing For Mission Network, the event will feature a mix of workshops and hands-on learning. We will equip faith leaders, organizers, and community advocates with essential skills to drive social change. Registration Cost: Lunch & Learn - $20.00 One Day - $30.00 Two Days - $50.00
Feb 13, 2026 | 8:00 AM
Event | In-Person
Join the Resistance Flyer

Join the Resistance: How to Push Back Against Authoritarianism

On January 20, the ACLU of Hawai‘i hosted a conversation about collective resistance in the face of increasing attacks on our democracy and civil rights. This talk featured Emily Hills, our Senior Staff Attorney, as the main speaker. She tackled questions such as: What can we do to resist the rise of a dictatorship? What must be protected to prevent democratic backsliding? How can we stay safe in a system that increasingly punishes dissent? Links to resources: Training slides The Checklist for Ending Tyranny Breaking Down Pillars of Support for Democratic Backsliding Effective Strategies to Resist Democratic Backsliding Watch a full recording of the talk below:
Jan 20, 2026 | 5:00 PM