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

Apr 10, 2026

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.

May 22, 2025

ACLU Hawai'i Prepares To Sue HPD Over ‘Concerning Trend’ Of Sober Drivers Arrested For DUI

ACLU Hawaii is giving HPD one week to respond to a letter demanding change.

Sarah poppinga.png
May 21, 2025

Advocates Explain Rights Regarding ICE Agents

Star-Advertiser features an event organized by ACLU of Hawai'i, U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda, the Hawai'i State Teachers Association, and the Hawai'i Coalition for Immigrant Rights

ICE immigration.png
May 21, 2025

Deportation Fears Spur Hawai'i Teachers To Learn About Civil Rights

Hawaii News Now features ACLU of Hawaii's educational resources and Know Your Rights trainings.

ICE Hawai'i.png
May 13, 2025

Don’t Loosen Guardrails On Hospitalizing Individuals Against Their Will

The Legislature has passed a measure that threatens to upset the balance between respect for autonomy and concern for a person’s health.

240227-dc-Hawaii-State-Hospital-1119-1024x683.jpg
Apr 29, 2025

DEI and Student Visa Rulings Seen as Reprieves

American Civil Liberties Union of Hawai'i reaches out to universities and college officials regarding DEI.

University of Hawaii campus
Apr 29, 2025

Honolulu EMS Chief Says Medics Aren’t Safe In Oʻahu Prisons

Recent incidents at two state facilities prompted a letter to state prison officials telling them medical crews won’t be going inside the jails and prison anymore.

Oahu-Community-Correctional-Center-OCCC-v2.jpg
Apr 26, 2025

Legal Status Of Many International Students Across U.S. Reportedly Being Restored

Salmah Rizvi, ACLU Hawaii Executive Director speaks to KITV Island News.

ED Salmah Rizvi.png
Apr 21, 2025

Watered Down Property Seizure Bill Moves Forward

House Bill 126 was intended to require a conviction before property forfeiture is allowed.

Screenshot-2025-04-18-at-3.34.53-PM.png
Apr 10, 2025

Transgender Discrimination Concerns Rise At Maui Prep

The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii is taking action against Maui Preparatory Academy, challenging a policy that allegedly discriminates against transgender students.

wookie_kim.png