From the steps of the State Capitol to the streets of Waikīkī, our community showed up in force this past month to demand accountability, defend the collective right to vote, and uplift LGBTQ+ folx across our pae ʻāina—all while celebrating Filipino American History Month.
We are carrying that fierce momentum straight into Nowemapa! Here is a look at our latest legal victories, community advocacy, and upcoming ways to take action together.
Legal & Advocacy Updates
Justice Served: Major Win in Davis v. Bissen
The ACLU of Hawaiʻi successfully challenged Maui County’s illegal sweeps, securing a complete victory in a recent contested case hearing. The court treated our clients’ testimony as fully credible and awarded them full monetary compensation for their lost property. (Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Spotify, and TikTok for deep dives into what this win means for our community!)
Defending Civil Liberties in Court
Our legal team has been on the front lines protecting constitutional rights across the islands, making two crucial court appearances over the past month. Visit our website to learn more about our ongoing legal battles and advocacy work.
Hawaiʻi Voting Guide 2026
Need help understanding what is on your ballot? Check out our nonpartisan Hawaiʻi Voting Guide 2026 to see what a YES or NO vote on November ballot measures means for your civil rights.
Protecting Freedom of Expression at HoMA
Immigrants’ Rights Attorney Leilani Stacy recently joined a post-screening panel at the Honolulu Museum of Art following a showing of The Librarians. Alongside State Librarian Stacey Aldrich, Kalaheo High School Librarian Danielle Fujii, and State Law Librarian Jenny Foster, Leilani spoke on the importance of freedom of expression and the legal ramifications of threats to public access to books.
What’s Happening at the ACLU of Hawaiʻi
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- Honoring a Legacy of Justice—Mahalo, Tracey Tokuoka! We celebrated Operations Manager Tracey Tokuoka for 20 years of foundational leadership at the ACLU of Hawaiʻi. Mahalo nō, Tracey, for two decades of vision, changemaking, and unwavering commitment to our community!
- ACLU of Hawaiʻi Board & Staff Retreat: Our board and staff stepped back from daily responsibilities to reconnect with our collective purpose, engage in guided learning, and strengthen our relationships as we shape the future of our organization together.
- REAL TALK: Labor and Immigration Panel: We co-sponsored a vital discussion at IBEW 1186 alongside labor unions and the Hawaiʻi Coalition for Immigration Rights to explore worker solidarity and immigrant protections.
- Hands Off My Vote: No Dictators Rally: We gathered at the State Capitol with local partners to energize, educate, and stand strong for voter access and electoral integrity.
- Honolulu Pride Parade & Festival: Staff, volunteers, and supporters marched down Kalākaua Avenue to turn Pride Month awareness into direct action and celebrate alongside our LGBTQ+ and MVPFAFF+ ʻohana.
- Filipino American History Month: Alongside the City and County of Honolulu, we honored the rich legacy and resilience of the Filipino community—from plantation sakadas to the nation’s first Filipino American governor—and reaffirmed our commitment to protecting civil liberties across the Hawaiian Kingdom every day.
- Reimagining Public Safety Coalition: Members of the coalition and ACLU-HI visited the Capitol to champion systemic reform, working to dismantle harmful legal structures and build a future rooted in community-led wellness, care, and resource equity.
Communications Highlights
Podcast: Rooted in Resistance 🎙️
Tune into the newest episode of Rooted in Resistance on Spotify and YouTube! U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda joins ACLU-HI Executive Director Salmah Y. Rizvi for a candid conversation on political corruption, war, and threats to democracy.
Amplifying Student Voices: Meet Castle High’s Liam
Catch our recent on-camera interview with Castle High School student organizer Liam on YouTube! He shares insights on local student-led activism, leading an after-school march protesting ICE operations, and representing Hawaiʻi at the ACLU’s Youth Advocacy Training in Washington, D.C.
Upcoming Events & Advocacy Workshops
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- Hawaiʻi Workers Center 2026 Workers Victory Celebration: Join us on Friday, November 13, 2026, from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the IBEW Local 1186 Building (1935 Hau St #400, Honolulu) as HWC celebrates major labor milestones and honors ACLU-HI, The Legal Clinic, and the Hawaiʻi Coalition for Immigrant Rights for leading the “Campaign for Immigrant Justice.”
- Clean Slate Hawaiʻi Campaign Kick-Off & Press Conference: Stand with us on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, from 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM at The Arc of Hilo (1099 Waianuenue Avenue, Hilo) to launch Clean Slate Hawaiʻi—a new campaign working to pass record-shielding legislation and expand access to employment, housing, and education.
- Waiʻanae Expungement Clinic: Attend our free, in-person legal clinic on Saturday, November 21, 2026, from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM at the Waiʻanae Coast Comprehensive Health Center Main Campus (86-260 Farrington Highway, Waiʻanae). Volunteer attorneys will provide free assistance to help community members navigate the expungement process.
Join Our Team
We are hiring! Help us protect civil liberties across the islands in one of our open roles:
- Finance & Operations Director: Oversee our organizational infrastructure and help drive strategic growth across our operations.
- Paralegal: Join our legal team to support litigation, research, and civil rights advocacy statewide.
Stay Connected With the Movement
Mahalo for standing with the ACLU of Hawaiʻi. Every action, voice, and hour of support builds a stronger movement for justice across our islands.
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