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


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

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



For People with Disabilities on Parole and Probation, Accessible Communication is Essential

Our clients were repeatedly denied sign language interpretation necessary to understand the conditions of their release. They paid the price with their freedom.

An American Sign Language interpreter interpreting at an anti-racism rally and march.

What You Need to Know about Affirmative Action at the Supreme Court

Two cases before the high court will determine whether race conscious admissions policies can be used by universities.

The Supreme Court Building

Despite Backlash, Voters and Lawmakers Continue to Choose Criminal Justice Reform

National headlines don’t tell the full story; reform continues to win across the country.

Shelby County Court

Native Families' Right to Stay Together is at Stake at the Supreme Court

The Indian Child Welfare Act — a law that protects Native children from forced removal from their families, tribes, and culture — is currently under attack.

Children from the Zuni Pueblo lead the U.S. pledge of allegiance in the Zuni language in the New Mexico state Capitol in Santa Fe, N.M.

Abortion is legal in Hawaiʻi, but access needs to be more equitable

ACLU of Hawaiʻi Statement on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization

Photo Credit: Nicole McCann

The Biden Administration’s Executive Order on Policing is a Foundation to Build Upon

Two years after the murder of George Floyd, a new executive order on police reform offers a starting place, but does not go far enough.

Protesters holding signs depicting George Floyd.

Setting the Record Straight On Bail Reform

ACLU of Hawaiʻi Statement on HB 1567 and a vision for real bail reform in Hawaiʻi.

Bail Reform Bill

To See the Future of Roe, Look to the States

We don’t know what the final opinion will look like, but here’s what we do know about abortion access nationwide.

Protesters marching in Washington, DC, and carrying signs saying Abortion Is An Unalienable Human Right.

New Report Illustrates How Right to Counsel Prevents Evictions and their Discriminatory Impacts on Communities

An ACLU and National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel investigation confirms legal representation for renters facing eviction is a critically important intervention to keep people in their homes and prevent the long-term harms of eviction.

Protesters marching and holding a sign reading Housing Is A Human Right.