ACLU of Hawaiʻi Welcomes Monica Luat as Legal Fellow

HONOLULU, Hawaiʻi — The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaiʻi (“ACLU of Hawaiʻi”) is pleased to welcome Monica Akemi Luat as its new Legal Fellow. In this role, she supports the legal team in protecting civil rights and liberties.

Monica received her J.D. from Boston University School of Law and her B.M. in Music Performance (Cello) from Boston University. During law school, Monica interned for Chief Justice Kimberly S. Budd on the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court and externed for the California-based environmental and energy justice organization, Communities for a Better Environment.

Previously, Monica served as an AmeriCorps Advocate at the Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i in the Housing and Consumer Unit, where she supported the legal team on matters such as eviction defense and debt collection defense. Most recently, Monica served as law clerk to the Honorable Clyde J. Wadsworth on the Hawai‘i Intermediate Court of Appeals.

"Monica’s foundational community-centered work on the ground in Hawaiʻi, as well as her sharp analytical background, make her an incredible asset to our affiliate," said Salmah Y. Rizvi, Executive Director of the ACLU of Hawaiʻi. "Her unique combination of grassroots advocacy and rigorous civil liberties research will enhance our capacity to tackle the pressing constitutional issues that impact local neighbors."

"We are thrilled to welcome Monica to our team," said Wookie Kim, Legal Director of the ACLU of Hawaiʻi. "Monica’s connection to our local communities, paired with her sharp legal background in civil liberties and grassroots advocacy, expands our litigation capacity at a crucial time. She will be an exceptional asset in our fight to defend and broaden civil rights here in Hawaiʻi."

"I am honored to return home and join the dedicated team at the ACLU of Hawaiʻi," said Monica Akemi Luat. "I look forward to using my legal training to advocate for the dignity, safety, and constitutional protections of everyone in our community."

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The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawai‘i strives to build an equitable society. Our mission is to protect and promote civil liberties and fundamental rights enshrined in the United States and Hawai‘i constitutions through litigation, legislation, and public education. We serve – and center the voices of – our most impacted and vulnerable communities, regardless of background, status, or circumstance. As a non-partisan non-profit organization, we provide our services at no cost to the public, and we never accept government funds.