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


Statement of the ACLU of Hawaiʻi on the University of Hawaii’s Response to First Amendment Concerns

Addressing Free Speech and Civil Liberties Policies on Campus
FREE SPEECH UH

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

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Maui Prep Policies For Transgender Students Face Legal Scrutiny

The ACLU of Hawaiʻi says Maui Prep’s proposed policies for transgender students violate state anti-discrimination laws.

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Midwife Bill Advances In Hawai‘i Senate But Causes Confusion

Carrie Ann Shirota, policy director of the ACLU of Hawai‘i weighs in.

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