News & Commentary

ACLU of Hawaiʻi attorney Leilani Stacy has filed several winning habeas petitions. (Craig Fujii/Civil Beat/2026)

Locked Up Too Long? Legal Tactic Challenges Hawaiʻi ICE Detentions

Joaquin David Rico-Tapia had been held at Honolulu’s Federal Detention Center for six weeks when his attorney filed a special petition last September arguing he had been illegally detained as his deportation case went forward.

Latest Press Release

Apr 10, 2026

Community Advocates and U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda Show Support for Survivors and Demand Accountability and Compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act

HONOLULU, HI – U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda joined community advocates from the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaiʻi (“ACLU of HI”) and Indivisible Hawaiʻi Statewide Network in delivering a message of support to the survivors of the Epstein crimes.
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Stay informed on civil rights issues. Discover our latest actions and updates in the Press Release section.

Apr 16, 2024

Leeward Coast Closure - City Sweep of Houseless Camps

The ACLU urges Houseless Ordinances to be ruled illegal and unconstitutional in Circuit Court.

Leeward Coast Closure 04.16.2024
Apr 16, 2024

Change23 on Hawai'i News Now

Salmah Y. Rizvi, Executive Director of ACLU-HI Discusses the Change23 Coalition on Hawai'i News Now

Change 23 Hawai'i News Now
Mar 12, 2024

Lawmakers consider changes to state criminal record expungement process

ACLU of Hawai'i is part of the push this legislative session to improve the criminal record expungement process.

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Feb 15, 2024

Hawaii’s Still-Struggling Police Standards Board Could Add More Cops To The Oversight Panel

Civil rights advocates say that expanding the board with more police appointments will diminish input from community members.

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Oct 24, 2023

Governor Green Reinstates Legal Protections After Community Groups Challenge Emergency Proclamation on Housing

*Original release posted by Earthjustice under the title, "Governor Green Reinstates Legal Protections After Community Groups Challenge Emergency Proclamation on Housing"

EP Housing Lawsuit Dismissal
Oct 19, 2023

Taking Action to Stop Police Sexual Violence

This systemic problem can and must be rectified and repaired. Here’s how.

Two cops who are only visible from the chest to waist and are holding batons.
Sep 28, 2023

As a New Term Begins, Where Does the Supreme Court Stand on Criminal Justice?

Here’s what past criminal law rulings tell us about how the justices may interpret the law moving forward.

The vacant interior of the US Supreme Court with the justices' equally vacant seats.
Sep 01, 2023

Broad Coalition Challenges Governor Green’s Controversial Emergency Proclamation on Housing

*Original release posted by Earthjustice under the title, "Broad Coalition Challenges Controversial Emergency Proclamation on Housing in Hawai‘i"

EP Housing Lawsuit Filing
Aug 31, 2023

Together, We’re Changing the Face of Crisis Response in D.C.

The D.C. Crisis Response Coalition is leading the charge to protect community members who need support during mental health crises.

A group posing on behalf of the DC Crisis Response Coalition.