Events

Join us in taking action to oppose Bill 53 (2026), Relating to Shopping Carts, before the Honolulu City Council on Thursday, November 5, at 10:00 AM. Bill 53 would jail people for simply possessing a shopping cart, regardless of whether or not they stole it. This measure is unnecessary, as stealing and abandoning shopping carts is already illegal. Also, under the current bill language, folding metal handcarts commonly used by kūpuna to carry groceries home would be prohibited. Creating a new petty misdemeanor offense will do nothing to deter theft, but will further criminalize poverty and disproportionately impact people experiencing houselessness rather than address the root causes of these issues. We need our community to speak up for solutions rooted in evidence, dignity, and compassion.

Hawaii Homelessness & Housing Conference 2026 Join us at the Hawaii Homelessness & Housing Conference 2026, a critical gathering dedicated to addressing homelessness and housing insecurity across the islands. This year’s conference brings together advocates, service providers, policymakers, and community leaders to collaborate on innovative strategies, share research, and drive systemic solutions for housing equity in Hawaiʻi. The ACLU of Hawaiʻi is proud to participate in this vital conversation. Don’t miss a compelling session featuring our Immigrants’ Rights Attorney, Leilani Stacy, and Legal Fellow, Monica Luat, as they share critical information on civil rights and preparedness for our immigrant communities. Event Details: Agenda – here Date: Thursday, November 12, 2026 and Friday, November 13, 2026 Time: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Location: Koʻolau Ballrooms & Conference Center (45-550 Kionaole Road, Kaneohe, HI 96744) Featured Session Details: Date & Time: Thursday, November 12, 2026 from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Room: Makai Room Track: Special Populations Panel Title: Know Your Rights when Encountering ICE Description: What are your rights when encountering immigration enforcement? This session will cover what to do when interacting with federal immigration officers on the street, in an office, and in living spaces. In addition to focusing on the local context in Hawai‘i, this session will address how service providers and impacted individuals can prepare and build readiness for potential immigration enforcement. We will cover judicial vs. administrative arrest warrants, how to prepare a response plan, and leave plenty of time for questions and answers. Speakers: Leilani Stacy, Immigrants’ Rights Attorney, ACLU of Hawaiʻi Monica Luat, Legal Fellow, ACLU of Hawaiʻi Together, we can build a future where everyone in Hawaiʻi has a safe place to call home. Register today to secure your spot and join the movement for housing justice.

Join the ACLU of Hawaiʻi on Nov. 13 for the Hawaiʻi Workers Center Victory Celebration in Honolulu. Stand up for workers’ rights! Event Details Date & Time: Friday, November 13, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM Location: IBEW Local 1186, Room 306 (Akito “Blackie” Fujikawa Wing), 1935 Hau St, Honolulu, HI 96819 Theme: “Rise Up & Fight for Workers Rights!” Activities: Cultural performances, awards presentation, heavy pupus / buffet dinner, and a raffle Honorees: Includes IBEW Local 1186 (Certificate of Appreciation honoree) and the Campaign for Immigrant Justice Tickets & Sponsorship: Tickets and sponsorship options are available via the Hawaiʻi Workers Center Ticket Page or by contacting [email protected]

About This Event Please join us for the launch of Clean Slate Hawaiʻi, a campaign to pass a record-shielding law for eligible Hawaiʻi residents. Our coalition is working to reduce barriers created by having a past record, and expand pathways to employment, housing, education, family stability, and opportunity. Please plan to arrive at 9:30 am so you have time to check in before the program begins. We’ll send registered attendees a reminder and any additional event information as November 17 approaches. Accessibility, Transportation & Accommodations Venue: The Arc of Hilo, 1099 Waianuenue Avenue, Hilo. The venue is located in Hilo’s health corridor across from Hilo Medical Center. Public transportation: The nearest Hele-On stop is Waianuenue Avenue @ Hilo Medical Center, Stop #133, served by Route 102 — Kaumana. The current weekday schedule includes a stop at approximately 9:24 a.m. Please confirm the Hele-On schedule closer to the event date in case of service changes. Accessibility: The venue has wheelchair-accessible parking, an accessible entrance, and an accessible restroom. We want this gathering to be accessible and welcoming. If you need an accommodation to participate fully, such as accessible seating, assistance navigating the venue, communication access, or another support, please let us know on this form so we can do our best to accommodate your needs. Photography & Media Notice This is a public and media-facing campaign launch. Photographers, videographers, and members of the news media may be present, and general event photographs or footage may be captured. Questions? Please contact us at [email protected]. RSVP – here

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.