News & Commentary

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

Jul 28, 2026

PRESS RELEASE - Hawaiʻi Legislators and Community Advocates Celebrate Landmark Immigrant Justice Laws and Honor Lives Lost to Immigration Enforcement

Hawaiʻi celebrates six landmark immigrant justice laws while honoring 64 lives lost to immigration enforcement.
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Stay informed on civil rights issues. Discover our latest actions and updates in the Press Release section.

Nov 20, 2025

Hawai‘i DOE Wants $83,000 To Provide Data On Gender Equity In Schools

DOE has recently stepped up its oversight of high school sports, but parents say they want more information on how female athletes are treated.

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Nov 17, 2025

Honolulu police officers accused of dodging court service in DUI lawsuit

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Three Honolulu police officers accused of wrongful DUI arrests are now facing allegations they deliberately avoided a process server in a class action lawsuit.

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Nov 16, 2025

The Sunshine Interview: The Executive Director of ACLU Hawaiʻi

The group is engaged in a series of critical issues impacting the islands.

Salmah Rizvi, Executive Director and CEO, left, and Sergio Alcubilla, Director of Community Engagement at the ACLU of Hawaiʻi, are photographed Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025, during an ed board meeting at Civil Beat in Honolulu. (Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2025)
Nov 10, 2025

What’s Controversial? Teachers Grapple With Free Speech In Hawaiʻi Schools

A parent’s complaint after a class conversation about Charlie Kirk highlights the larger challenges schools face in teaching government and current events.

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Nov 09, 2025

ACLU Hawaii hosts free event to honor milestone anniversary

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The American Civil Liberties Union celebrated 60 years of service in Hawaii with a free event on Sunday.

A screenshot of the People's Fair at Capitol Modern from Hawaii News Now's coverage
Nov 07, 2025

Internal memo warned that officers were arresting sober drivers for DUI, but practice continued

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - A high-ranking Honolulu police officer warned the department that sober drivers were being arrested for DUI, but the practice continued despite the alert.

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Nov 06, 2025

ICE raids in Hawaii

HONOLULU (Island News) -- ICE raids are happening across Hawaiʻi, more than most people know.

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Oct 17, 2025

Fighting for Freedom: ACLU of Hawai‘i in Action

Defending civil rights across the islands — ACLU of Hawai‘i Executive Director Salmah Rizvi joins us to talk legal advocacy, community action this Saturday, and their 60th anniversary celebration!

Salmah Rizvi on KITV News
Oct 06, 2025

‘It’s about voices’: Hawaii organizations launch reading initiatives during Banned Books Week

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Organizations in Hawaii and across the country are observing Banned Books Week by calling attention to the dangers of censorship.

Banned Books Week