ACLU of Hawai‘i Report Shows Current Bail Practices Prioritize Wealth Of The Accused Over Risk To The Community
Honolulu, Hawai‘i: the ACLU of Hawai‘i (“ACLU”) has released a study showing that almost half of the people in Hawai‘i jails are pre-trial detainees who have not been convicted of the crimes for which they’ve been accused. This preliminary report, called “As Much Justice As You Can Afford – Hawaiiʻs Accused Face an Unequal Bail […]
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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 […]
The Trump Administration Is Using the Census to Divide Us
The Trump administration announced this week that it will require people to state on their 2020 census forms whether they are United States citizens. While at first blush this may seem fine, in fact it violates the Constitution, discriminates against states with large immigrant communities, and will bias and undermine the results of the census. […]
ACLU of Hawaiʻi Disappointed by DOE Response to Title IX Demand Letter
HONOLULU – The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawai’i Foundation (“ACLU of Hawai’i”) is disappointed by the response the State of Hawai’i Department of Education (“DOE”) provided yesterday to its February 9, 2018 demand letter relating to Title IX violations in DOE schools. The ACLU of Hawai’i demand letter noted that, according to DOE’s 2016 Statewide […]
ACLU of Hawaiʻi issues demand letter to Hawaiʻi Department of Education
ACLU OF HAWAIʻI DEMANDS HAWAIʻI DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION END SEX DISCRIMINATION AGAINST FEMALE ATHLETES HONOLULU – The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaiʻi Foundation (“ACLU of Hawaiʻi”) has sent a letter to the Hawaiʻi Department of Education (“DOE”) demanding it take immediate action to cease sex discrimination against female athletes in DOE schools. On February 7, […]
Hawai‘i ACLU welcomes new board leadership
Marianita Lopez elected as new Board President Honolulu, Hawai‘i: The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawai‘i announced a new slate of all-volunteer officers: Newly elected President Marianita Lopez is a family law attorney based in Hale‘iwa on O‘ahu, She has served on the ACLU of Hawai‘i board since 2007. She takes over for outgoing President […]
Local ACLU Hires New Executive Director
Honolulu, Hawai‘i – The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Hawai‘i announced today that Joshua Wisch will take over the helm next month from long-time executive director, Vanessa Chong, who is retiring. Chong became the organization’s executive director in 1984 and first joined its staff in 1981. The search drew over 100 applicants nationwide. Wisch, who […]
RSVP now for 2017 Annual Meeting and Bill of Rights Day Celebration
Please join us W., 12/13, 5:30p to 7:30p at the Neal Blaidell Center Maui Room! https://acluhi.org/2017mtgborday/ Event poster (please invite your friends!) 2017AnnMtgFlyer2
ACLU testimony opposing City Council bills expanding sit/lie bans
“Instead of wasting limited public resources enforcing constitutionally infirm bills—which would likely result in costly lawsuits—without actually reducing the number of unsheltered homeless, the ACLU strongly encourages the City and County of Honolulu to reconsider its proposed approach to homelessness. In particular, to meet its constitutional obligations, the County needs to ensure that sufficient and […]
ACLU Challenges Federal Restrictions on Abortion Pill
Filed Chelius v. Wright (1) KAUAI, Hawaii — The American Civil Liberties Union today filed suit on behalf of a Hawaii doctor and several professional health care associations to challenge federal restrictions that significantly limit access to medication abortion. The federal lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii challenges FDA […]
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 […]
