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.

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Apr 21, 2025

Watered Down Property Seizure Bill Moves Forward

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

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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.

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Apr 10, 2025

ACLU Demands Maui Prep Rescind Anti-Transgender Policy

The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii has issued a formal legal demand to Maui Preparatory Academy in Lahaina, alleging the school has adopted a discriminatory policy targeting transgender students in violation of state anti-­discrimination laws.

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