Welcome!
Times change, political leaders change, but the American Civil Liberties Union mission remains the same: no matter who is in charge, we’re here to protect and advance civil rights as guaranteed by the U.S. and Hawai‘i State Constitutions. We are non-profit, non-partisan, and do not accept government funding. The ACLU of Hawai‘i was established in […]
Op-ed: Looking past the repeal of DACA, the fight for the soul of our country starts at home
We stand with all immigrants and their families in Hawai‘i and across America. The administration’s termination of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program is a low blow to our communities and values. In a fast rebuke to the decision, Hawai‘i has joined a coalition of 16 states in a lawsuit to protect DACA […]
ACLU of Hawaii statement on DACA repeal
The White House’s cruel decision to slam the door on dreamers today serves no purpose other than to upend the lives of hundreds of thousands of young people who grew up in America and have no other place to call home. Dreamers are the latest victims of a broken immigration system that not only tears […]
Free, advance screening of “Marshall” and lunchtime lecture at UHM Law School!
The ACLU of Hawaiiʻs Davis Levin First Amendment Conference is proud to present two remarkable events on Thursday, 9/14 featuring visiting speakers Michael Koskoff and John Marshall: 6 p.m.: Free, advance screening of the new major motion picture “Marshall” with post-film talkback. 11 a.m.: Lunchtime lecture at UH Mānoaʻs William S. Richardson School of Law. […]
Upholding the Constitution during mass demonstrations in Hawai‘i
The ACLU of Hawaiʻi always monitors developments regarding protests and law enforcement actions during these protests. This includes the protests happening around telescopes on Haleakalā and Mauna Kea. Anyone whose rights have been violated can contact our office with reports, complaints, etc. We are a private non-profit government watchdog. All reports are confidential. To make […]
Breaking: ACLU & allies file brief supporting Hawai‘i challenge to Muslim ban implentation
Read the amicus curiae (“Friend of the Court”) brief: https://www.aclu.org/sites/default/files/field_document/297-1_0.pdf Read more about the issue: https://www.aclu.org/blog/speak-freely/governments-muslim-ban-guidance-arbitrary-illogical-and-discriminatory-just-ban We are standing with International Refugee Assistance Project (“IRAP”) and HIAS to fight the arbitrary rules the government has tried to impose and ensure that it complies with the Supreme Court’s ruling.
Ten Questions for Honolulu’s Next Chief of Police
Printable PDF version: 10QsHPDchief 5/15/17 VIA CERTIFIED MAIL AND ELECTRONIC MAIL Chair Max J. Sword, Vice Chair Cha Thompson, Commissioner Luella T. Costales, Commissioner Eddie Flores, Jr., Commissioner Steven H. Levinson, Commissioner Loretta Sheehan, Commissioner Mark C. Tilker c/o Executive Officer Honolulu Police Commission 1060 Richards St., Suite 170 Honolulu, […]
Leadership transition at local ACLU planned for 2018
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Hawai‘i announced today that its long-time executive director, Vanessa Chong, will be retiring early 2018. Chong became the organization’s executive director in 1984 and first joined its staff in 1981. ACLU of Hawai`i Board President Barbara Ankersmit said “Vanessa is leaving us a vital and strong organization and […]
Disability discrimination at Honolulu International Airport leads to complaint against US Customs and Border Protection, Federal Bureau of Prisons
Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaiʻi Foundation (“ACLU”) has filed a discrimination complaint with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties on behalf of a deaf tourist from Japan who was illegally denied access to effective communication during hours of interrogation and detention. M., who wishes […]
ACLU of Hawaiʻi Issues Texas Travel Advisory
Traveling to Texas May Result in Violation of Constitutional Rights, ACLU Warns FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 9, 2017 Contact: Mandy Finlay, Advocacy Coordinator, mfinlay@acluhawaii.org, 808-522-5905 Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaiʻi (“ACLU of Hawaiʻi) issued a travel alert today informing any Hawaiʻi residents planning to travel to Texas in the near […]
Eight to Watch – April 2017
The 2017 Legislature is well underway. Bills are heading now into conference committee where final amendments and testimony will be deliberated prior to floor votes and (for bills that pass) ultimately the Governor’s desk. While several measures are on our radar, we are taking special effort to urge lawmakers to uphold civil liberties through their […]
