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 […]
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 […]
State and Counties urged to put Hawaii’s values, communities, and Constitution first: refuse involvement with Trump’s immigration policies
ACLU warns the Counties and State of Hawaiʻi of significant risks associated with being part of Trump’s deportation force State of Hawai‘i letter Honolulu City Council letter Kaua‘i County letter Maui County letter Hawai‘i County letter Honolulu, Hawai‘i: In the face of growing Federal pressure for local law enforcement to get drafted in Trump’s deportation […]
Legislative program mid-session report now online
https://acluhi.org/2017-mid-session-report/ As of Thursday, March 9, 2017, the Hawai’i State Legislature reached First Crossover—the deadline for bills to pass Third Reading and move over to the Second House. It is also the last day for a final vote to be taken on a measure in the house of origin. A few of ACLU of Hawaii’s […]
Court Blocks Trump’s New Muslim Ban
HONOLULU — 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. In another challenge, the American Civil Liberties Union and partner organizations were in U.S District Court in Maryland today also asking the ban be halted. Omar Jadwat, […]
Body cameras = law enforcement transparency. Let us continue to keep them accountable. Act now!
The ACLU of Hawai‘i needs your help to pass comprehensive statewide police body camera legislation. We’re asking you to submit testimony in support of S.B. 421, S.D. 1, a bill creating detailed and transparent policies regarding the use of police body-worn cameras and public disclosure of footage. Since the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, […]
ACLU Launches Grassroots Mobilization Platform – Kickoff Event 3/11/17
Program Aims to Organize Resistance to President Trump We hope the people of Hawai‘i will join the PeoplePower movement. Detailed instructions are below. For more information about how to hold your own houseparty, or to let us know if you are holding one, please contact Kit Grant at kgrant@acluhawaii.org or call (808) 522-5904. Mahalo! […]
