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.
Placeholder image

More from the Press


Placeholder image

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

City dismisses charges against lawful protesters

Brea

By acluhawaii

Placeholder image

Civil Rights Attorneys Seek Dismissal of Unconstitutional Charges Filed Against Protesters

The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii Foundation (“ACLU”) and the Honolulu law firm of Davis Levin Livingston today announced that they are representing Jamie and Tess Meier, whose peaceful protest in support of gender equality on a Kalakaua Avenue sidewalk was abruptly halted by police intervention.  Both were unlawfully cited for their conduct.  The ACLU and Davis Levin Livingston will appear on Monday morning, September 19, 2011 to enter a “not guilty” plea for the protesters.  The attorneys have asked City and County of Honolulu (“CCH”) Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro to dismiss immediately the charges that the Meiers violated Revised Ordinances of Honolulu (“ROH”) § 10-1.3(a)(5) (failing to obtain a parks department permit for “meetings or gatherings or other similar activity held by organizations, associations or groups”) because the ordinance is unconstitutional and does not apply to the Meiers’ First Amendment activities.On August 21, 2011, Jami

By acluhawaii

Tess and Jaime Meier, with their attorneys, speak to the press.

ACLU Files "Friend of the Court" Brief on Behalf of Traveling Medical Cannabis Patients

On July 11, 2011, the ACLU of Hawaii filed an amicus brief with the Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals as to whether medical marijuana patients are allowed to transport their medicine without being prosecuted.  Read the brief here:

By acluhawaii

Placeholder image

2011 Legislative Reports

By acluhawaii

Placeholder image

"Media Shield" Litigation

Belo

By acluhawaii

Placeholder image