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


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.

Aloha, Jackie

Executive Director Josh Wisch and Board President Marianita Lopez mourn the loss of Board member Jackie Young.

By Marianita Lopez

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LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES' RESPONSIBILITIES DURING MASS DEMONSTRATIONS

In July 2019, the ACLU of Hawaii's Legal Director Mateo Caballero sent a letter to law enforcement regarding their responsibilities during the mass demonstrations on Mauna Kea.

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Local coalition forms in support of immigrant, refugee rights

A broad local coalition-in-formation issued a statement opposing the 2017 executive orders on immigration.

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ACLU OF HAWAI‘I GEARS UP FOR LOCAL CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM WITH ADDITION OF SMART JUSTICE CAMPAIGN DIRECTOR MONICA ESPITIA

The ACLU of Hawai‘i is proud to announce the addition to its team of Monica Espitia, Smart Justice Campaign Director.

By acluhawaii

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ACLU of Hawai‘i statement on President Trump's speech 1/19/19

Executive Director Josh Wisch issues a statement regarding President Trump's bid to deport Dreamers.

Daca is and always will be constitutional

ACLU OF HAWAI‘I CONTINUES TO GROW WITH ADDITION OF MANDY FERNANDES AS POLICY DIRECTOR

The ACLU of Hawai‘i is pleased to announce Mandy Fernandes as its new Policy Director.

By acluhawaii

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CIVIL RIGHTS AND COMMUNITY ADVOCATES DISAPPOINTED BY CITY’S CONTINUED MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT “SWEEPS” OF HOUSELESS FAMILIES

Groups and individuals representing a broad range of interests and constituencies today released a statement expressing disappointment in the “sweeps” of the houseless community during the holidays.

By acluhawaii

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By acluhawaii

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OpEd: Protect State Constitution by voting ‘No’ on ConCon

This piece originally ran in Honolulu Civil Beat on Tuesday, October 30, 2018 under the title "Protect State Constitution By Voting 'No' On ConCon":

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