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 Opposes HPD’s Drone As First Responder Program, Calls for Independent Oversight and Civil Liberties Safeguards

ACLU of Hawaiʻi raises concerns about surveillance, facial recognition, and the lack of legislative safeguards for HPD's new drone policing initiative.
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Stay informed on civil rights issues. Discover our latest actions and updates in the Press Release section.



What It’s Like to Face a Deadly Pandemic Behind Bars

Four formerly incarcerated people share their stories about what it’s like to be incarcerated during the pandemic, while friends and family members are left helpless on the outside.

Hendrey Boykins in Phoenix, Arizona.

How Do We End Racism in Policing?

Incremental reforms have not worked. Reducing police violence requires taking bold steps that lead to transformational change.

Police in riot gear shouts in black protestor's face as demonstrators gather to protest the death of George Floyd near the White House

We’re Suing to Restore Abortion Access to People in Guam

Residents of Guam are unconstitutionally forced to travel thousands of miles just to access abortion care.

Person holds up ACLU sign that reads "Abortion Access for All" in front of the Supreme Court building.

ACLU HAWAIʻI CONCLUDES BOARD ELECTIONS, WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS

Mahalo nui to everyone who voted in our recent Board Elections 2020. The ACLU of Hawaiʻi welcomes four board members as they begin their volunteer three year term starting January 1, 2021 and concluding on December 31, 2023. We congratulate and thank them for their commitment of service to Hawaiʻi and the ACLU.  

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What President Biden’s LGBTQ Executive Order Does and Doesn’t Do

The Biden administration has said they will follow existing federal law protecting LGBTQ people from discrimination — including in schools.

President Joe Biden signs his first executive order in the Oval Office of the White House.

What Does the ACLU Say About the Right to March While Armed?

While some gun regulations raise Second Amendment concerns, a ban on carrying weapons at a protest does not.

A mob loyal to U.S. President Donald Trump marches toward the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021.

COVID-19 Vaccination of People in Jails and Prisons

Protecting people in prison and jail is a matter of public health, law, and basic humanity.

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We Can Uphold Free Speech and Hold President Trump Accountable

As our board’s second call for Trump’s impeachment makes clear, our allegiance has always been, and remains, with the Constitution.

Montage of Donald Trump's face.

Pamela Winn Fights the Shackling of Pregnant People

Winn’s story highlights why pregnant people should never be shackled. She is fighting to ensure they aren’t.

Pamela Winn holding papers in a still from the short film, WINN.