The Constitution During Uncertain Times: Protecting Due Process in Crisis

Defending Due Process: Reflecting on "The Constitution During Uncertain Times"

As the United States commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Constitution, the ACLU of Hawaiʻi teamed up with the Hawaiʻi State Bar Association Civic Education Committee, Project Expedite Justice, and the King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center for a vital public forum.

On Wednesday, September 16, 2026, legal scholars, jurists, and advocates gathered at Ali'iōlani Hall in Honolulu to examine how constitutional protections hold up—or break down—during periods of conflict, crisis, and deep uncertainty.

Why This Matters Today

Constitutional rights are not self-executing; they require constant vigilance. The evening featured a series of powerful presentations and an interactive panel discussion focused heavily on Due Process and the Rule of Law. Together, the speakers and attendees explored historical case studies from both home and abroad where these foundational rights were severely undermined or entirely eliminated.

The program brought together an incredible lineup of local and national voices:

• • Associate Justice Sabrina S. McKenna (Hawaiʻi State Supreme Court)
  • Professor Eric L. Muller (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)
  • Salmah Y. Rizvi (Executive Director, ACLU of Hawaiʻi)
  • Maria Burnett (Acting Senior Legal Coordinator, Project Expedite Justice)

Lessons from History and Global Crises
The discussion bridged the past and the present, offering critical lessons on safeguarding justice today. Key themes included:

• • World War II Imprisonment: Reflecting on the mass incarceration of Japanese Americans and the fragile nature of civil liberties during wartime.
  • Displaced Communities: Analyzing the modern legal and humanitarian crises facing displaced populations globally.
  • Immigration & Citizenship: Examining how evolving laws continue to shape, restrict, or expand individual rights.

Before the event, attendees also had the opportunity to ground themselves in local history by touring the Judiciary History Center's featured exhibits: “Relics of War: Justice, Culture, and Community in Times of Conflict” and “Martial Law in Hawaiʻi”.

Missed the Event? Watch the Recording!
If you weren't able to join us live in Honolulu, you can still watch the full presentation and moderated panel discussion online. The entire program was recorded and is available to stream on the Judiciary History Center's YouTube Channel.

To stay updated on upcoming events, legal advocacy, and civil rights initiatives in our community, visit the King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center programs page and follow the ACLU of Hawaiʻi.