Events

Upcoming & Ongoing Events


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 26

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
EXP 2026

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
HIIC COVER

Hawaiʻi Immigration & Inclusion Conference

EVENT DETAILS Hawaiʻi Immigration & Inclusion Conference Wednesday, September 30, 2026 9:00 AM –3:00 PM East-West Center John A. Burns Hall (1601 East-West Road Honolulu, Hawaiʻi 96848) Registration: https://www.thehiic.org/registration A room for everyone working toward belonging. The Hawaiʻi Immigration and Inclusion Conference convenes leaders, advocates, policymakers, educators, employers, and community members to strengthen Hawaiʻi’s commitment to immigrant inclusion, equity, and belonging. Through plenary conversations, workshops, and networking opportunities, participants explore policies, programs, and community-driven solutions that support immigrant families, workers, youth, and multilingual communities across the state. The conference will be held at the East-West Center (John A. Burns Hall) in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi.
Sep 30, 2026 | 9:00 AM (HST)
Event | In-Person & Virtual
CDUT COVER

The Constitution During Uncertain Times

EVENT DETAILS The Constitution During Uncertain Times Wednesday, September 16, 2026 5:00–8:00 PM Ali’iōlani Hall (417 South King Street, Honolulu, HI 96813) Registration: https://www.jhchawaii.org/programs/ As the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of its Constitution, please join us for a thoughtful and timely presentation followed by a panel discussion regarding the importance of Constitutions, with a focus on Due Process and the Rule of Law, and historical case studies from at home and abroad where they have been undermined or eliminated. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and visit the “Relics of War: Justice, Culture, and Community in Times of Conflict” and “Martial Law in Hawaiʻi” exhibit displays in the King Kamehameha V, Judiciary History Center.
Sep 16, 2026 | 5:00 PM (HST)
Event | In-Person & Virtual
OUT OF STATE COVER

FREE FILM SCREENING & COMMUNITY LUNCH: “OUT OF STATE”

🗓️ HAWAʻI ISLAND WIDE TOUR SCHEDULE (All screenings start at 2:00 PM): Līhuʻe: Saturday, September 12 Hilo: Sunday, September 13 Wailuku: Saturday, September 19 Honolulu: Sunday, September 20 🎟️ REGISTRATION DETAILS:Admission is completely free, and a community lunch will be provided! Register Online: bit.ly/OUTOFSTATE
Sep 12, 2026 | 12:00 AM (HST)
Event | In-Person
Mālama Mākua Film Screening

Mālama Mākua Film Screening

EVENT DETAILS Mālama Mākua Screening Saturday, August 1 12:30–2:30 PM Downtown Hawaiʻi State Library (478 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813) Registration: bit.ly/makua-film Join us for a community screening of Mālama Mākua, a powerful documentary tracing the decades-long movement to protect and restore the sacred lands of Mākua Valley. The evening will begin with brief historical grounding, followed by the film screening Afterward, stay for a facilitated question-and-answer session guided by shared values that connects the film’s themes to ongoing civil liberties issues, including Native Hawaiian rights, climate justice, community safety, living wages, and representatio . Light refreshments will be provided, and attendees will have opportunities to reflect, connect, and engage with local organizations.
Aug 01, 2026 | 12:30 PM (HST)
Event | In-Person
Civil Rights in the Next250

Civil Rights In The Next 250

EVENT DETAILS Civil Rights in the Next250 Thursday, July 30th 4:30-6:00 pm Downtown Hawaiʻi State Library (478 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813) Registration: bit.ly/next250hi Join us for a community pau hana as we reflect on Hawaii’s past, engage with today’s civil rights challenges, and imagine the next 250 years together. Enjoy light refreshments while connecting with local organizations working on issues including safety and peace for all, a living wage, climate justice, reproductive rights, and voting rights. The evening will kick off with a brief introduction and lightning talks from local advocates. Exchange literature, zines, and opportunities to get involved, and participate in an interactive Vision Wall where community members of all ages can share their hopes for the future.
Jul 30, 2026 | 4:30 PM (HST)
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