Each year, hundreds of individuals contact the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii seeking legal help. Although we can only take a small handful of cases, we review and respond to every inquiry. Many civil liberties problems are resolved informally by telephone calls, letters, and negotiations with government officials. For non-civil liberties matters, we make appropriate referrals.
Where violations of civil liberties and/or civil rights occurred, the ACLU’s policy is to use litigation sparingly and as a last resort when informal resolution is not possible. Cases accepted for litigation are staffed internally by ACLU attorneys along with cooperating attorneys from the Hawaii community who generously donate their time and expertise. This summary highlights ACLU of Hawaii's cases, including a few of the many cases resolved without litigation.
2011 Legal Program Report: http://acluhawaii.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/2011legalprogram.pdf
For prior years' legal reports, see our retired website: http://old.acluhawaii.org/index.php?id=230
