About
About the ACLU of Hawai’i
Protecting Rights Since 1965
The ACLU of Hawai‘i is a private, non-profit, non-partisan organization that has been protecting the civil rights and civil liberties of the Hawaiian islands since its inception in 1965.
With community partners and volunteers, we ensure that government does not violate fundamental rights — regardless of race, socioeconomic status, gender expression, sexual orientation, or anything else.
Our work spans the courts, legislatures, and local communities — defending freedoms and advancing justice every day.
Mission Statement
The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawai‘i strives to build an equitable society. Our mission is to protect and promote civil liberties and fundamental rights enshrined in the United States and Hawai‘i constitutions through litigation, legislation, and public education. We serve – and center the voices of – our most impacted and vulnerable communities, regardless of background, status, or circumstance. As a non-partisan non-profit organization, we provide our services at no cost to the public, and we never accept government funds.
1940’s
Civil Liberties take Prominence
During the late 1940’s and early 1950’s, the most prominent civil liberties issue was the fear of communism. At this time, the rights of communists and people accused of being communists were being severely restricted. While there was a strong need to defend these people’s rights, the widespread fear of these individuals made it very difficult to do so. For this reason, the early history of the ACLU of Hawai‘i is marked by a number of failed attempts to establish a lasting organization.
The Work continues
The 1949 attempt failed, but in the early 1950’s, the Hawaii Civil Liberties Committee was organized by Steve Murin. Its goal was to defend John and Aiko Reinecke, who were fired from their public school teaching jobs because of alleged communists leanings. The Committee was active for a few years but was never recognized by the national ACLU.
1950’s
60 Members Strong
In 1953, about sixty people gathered, wrote by-laws, and elected a board of directors to form an official ACLU affiliate. Communism was still an issue, so the organization worked hard to prove its non-partisan nature. Allan Saunders, considered the founder of the present ACLU of Hawai‘i, spoke for the group, noting that the national ACLU had defended Fascists, Protestants, and Catholics as well as Communists. “Unless people in the community are willing to defend the civil liberties of others,” Allan said, “they will be lost to everyone eventually.” Unfortunately, this organization also dissolved due to lack of infrastructure.
1960’s
National Voice Meets Island Nation
Finally, in 1965, many supporters of the previous attempts met to form the current local affiliate. It was better organized than any in the past and in September of that year, was recognized by the national organization.
1970’s + Today
Founded and Growing
In 1972, the ACLU of Hawai‘i hired its first full-time employee and has grown steadily since. Today, we maintain 12 staff members, who along with board members and volunteers, carry out the mission of the ACLU.