Research & Publications

This paper responds to community requests for the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawai‘i to outline the statutory and constitutional limits on the United States (“U.S.”) military and State of Hawaiʻi with respect to decision making over Public Land Trust lands currently under military lease. This includes, but is not limited to, duties related to the unrelinquished claims of Native Hawaiians with respect to the Hawaiian Kingdom lands currently recognized as the Public Land Trust under state and U.S. federal law.

This strategic plan sets the organization's direction for the next three years (June 2026 - June 2029). It is rooted in a theory of change grounded in the idea that lasting freedom is achieved when the law is used as a shield for the the people rather than a sword for the most powerful.

After the passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” that allocates substantial resources into immigration enforcement along with the dramatic increase in immigration arrests in Hawaiʻi, the ACLU of Hawai‘i (“ACLU-HI”) submitted public records requests to all county police departments regarding any current agreements with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”), including its Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) agencies, in their immigration enforcement efforts in the state.

As the 2026 legislative session approaches, the ACLU of Hawai‘i's Policy Team has selected informed legislative priorities that advocate for those who have had their rights infringed upon by the state and federal government while fighting against democratic backslide into authoritarianism.

Dear Supporters, This past year has reminded us why the fight for civil rights and civil liberties in Hawaiʻi is as urgent as ever. Our Legal team has been in the courts, at the legislature, and in our communities—standing up to police abuse, protecting reproductive freedom, and challenging the criminalization of poverty. We’ve also expanded our work to meet new challenges: defending immigrants’ rights in the face of increased enforcement here in Hawaiʻi, and strengthening protections for LGBTQ+ people whose dignity and equality are under renewed attack. Whether through lawsuits, know-your-rights trainings, or direct advocacy, we are making sure that everyone in Hawaiʻi—no matter who they are, where they come from, or who they love—can live with freedom, safety, and dignity. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made this year, and we know there is much more to do. Thank you for being part of this work. Stay connected by joining our e-mail list at acluhi.org, and following us on social media @acluhawaii. With gratitude, Wookie Kim, Legal Director October 2025