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.

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ACLU of Hawaiʻi Takes No Position in Grassroot Institute of Hawaii v. Lopez

The civil liberties organization remains neutral on the constitutional questions in the pending case.
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Stay informed on civil rights issues. Discover our latest actions and updates in the Press Release section.

The True Measure of Justice for Ahmaud Arbery Goes Beyond the Courtroom

Measuring progress solely by the outcome of trials risks both ignoring the importance of greater systemic change and compromising fairness in the criminal legal system.

Painted mural of Ahmaud Arbery in Brunswick, Georgia after he was shot and killed in February 2020.

Kyle Rittenhouse Didn’t Act Alone: Law Enforcement Must Be Held Accountable

The massive show of force from 40 law enforcement agencies in Kenosha didn’t make anyone safer.

Police in riot gear stand outside the Kenosha County Court House

My Life Was Derailed By a Traffic Ticket

A minor infraction cost me my driver’s license, my job, thousands of dollars, and over a decade entangled with a system that punishes poverty.

Traffic violation on a windshield.

10 Things to Know about Combating Violence in America

As communities grapple with violent crime, calls for more police have increased. Here's why policing isn't the solution to violence, and some viable alternatives.

Protesters hold a banner calling for investment in communities, not the police

Kimberlé Crenshaw on Teaching the Truth About Race in America

A pioneering scholar of Critical Race Theory joins us to discuss the true meaning of the practice, and how it became a political flashpoint in schools and beyond.

Kimberlé Crenshaw gives presentation at podium with "Intersectionality" and "celebrate differences" sign behind her.

Know Your Rights

SECURITY CULTURE/KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

ACLU graphic "Know your rights"

10 Questions for the next Maui Police Chief

A letter from the ACLU of Hawaiʻi to the Maui Police Commission with ten questions that may help in selecting their new police chief. Document with links attached

graphic for ACLUʻs article on 10 questions for Mauiʻs next chief of police

Biden’s Domestic Terrorism Strategy Entrenches Bias and Harmful Law Enforcement Power

Biden’s strategy fails to address the wrongs, let alone reverse them.

President Joe Biden speaks behind podium to American service members in England

Ten Questions for the Next Chief of Police

A letter from the ACLU of Hawaiʻi to the Honolulu Police Commission with ten questions that may help in selecting our new police chief. Document with links attached

graphic for ACLUʻs article on 10 questions for Honoluluʻs next chief of police