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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New ACLU Report Outlines 76 Ways Mass Deportation Destroys Democratic Institutions and Exacerbates Hawaii’s Affordability Crisis

ACLU Warns Sweeping Federal Immigration Mandates Will Cripple Hospitality and Agriculture Industries, Demands State and County Leaders Block Deployment of Local Police Resources
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Stay informed on civil rights issues. Discover our latest actions and updates in the Press Release section.

Honolulu Prosecutor Drops Charges Against Peaceful Protesters; Better Police Training an Urgent Concern to Protect Free Speech

HONO

By acluhawaii

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City dismisses charges against lawful protesters

Brea

By acluhawaii

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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

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2011 Legislative Reports

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“Media Shield” Litigation

Belo

By acluhawaii

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