Press Releases

State and Counties Urged to Put Hawaii's Values, Communities, and Constitution First: Refuse Involvement with Trump's Immigration Policies

In the face of growing Federal pressure for local law enforcement to get drafted in Trump’s deportation force, we sent letters to State and all County officials, warning lawmakers about how being part of Trump’s deportation force creates
Issue Areas: Immigrants' Rights

Court Blocks Trump's New Muslim Ban

A federal court in Hawai‘i has temporarily blocked President Trump’s new Muslim ban executive order before it was set to take effect one minute after midnight.
Issue Areas: Immigrants' Rights

New Report Details Nationwide Police Use of Facial Recognition Software

Together with the ACLU national office and other affiliates, we welcome the Center on Privacy & Technology and Georgetown Law’s comprehensive report on government use of facial recognition technology in the United States.
Issue Areas: Privacy and Technology

ACLU, State of Hawai‘i settle dispute over First Amendment right to take photographs in public

The First Amendment right of individuals to take photographs in public was re-affirmed in an agreement reached between the ACLU of Hawai‘i Foundation (“ACLU”) and the State of Hawai‘i.
Issue Areas: First Amendment

Court Order Requires City to Follow Law: Impound, Not Destroy, Property Seized in Sweeps

Federal Judge Helen Gillmor has ordered that the City and County of Honolulu (“City”) must stop "immediately dispos[ing] of any property" under the Sidewalk Nuisance and Stored Property Ordinances (“Ordinances”). The only exceptions are for hazardous and perishable item

ACLU Complaint Leads to Change in Sand Island Shelter Rules

In response to a complaint from the ACLU of Hawai‘i and the ACLU Women’s Rights Project, the City and County of Honolulu (“City”) has reversed course on discriminatory rules at the proposed Sand Island homeless facility.