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

Aug 12, 2026

ACLU of Hawaiʻi Welcomes New Community Field and Marianita Lopez Executive Fellows

ACLU of Hawaiʻi welcomes two new fellows bringing fresh perspectives and experience to advance civil rights, community advocacy, and organizing across the islands.
CT ZJ

More from the Press

Placeholder image

Stay informed on civil rights issues. Discover our latest actions and updates in the Press Release section.

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.

Legislature.png
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.

Leiopapa-Building-9016-2048x1365.jpg
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.
Aug 10, 2023

Visualizing the Racial Wealth Gap

From homeownership to income, systemic inequities perpetuate disparities in wealth.

Close up of a mortgage application and a pen.