News & Commentary

Salmah Y. Rizvi shares ACLU-HI's 2026 Legislative Plans

ACLU Hawaii reveals upcoming 2026 legislative plan

HONOLULU (KHON2) — ACLU of Hawaii announced its 2026 legislative priorities in a press conference on Jan. 12.

Latest Press Release

Jan 14, 2026

ACLU Hawai‘i Files Lawsuit to Free Hawai‘i Island Resident from Unlawful Immigration Detention

HONOLULU, HI – On January 13, 2026, the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaiʻi (“ACLU of Hawai‘i”) filed a habeas immigration petition in federal court, seeking the release of Juan Jose Estrada Lopez, a Hawai‘i island resident and husband. At his green card interview in August 2025, he was ripped away from his family and community and locked up at the Honolulu Federal Detention Center. He has been detained there ever since—even though he has committed no crime.
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Stay informed on civil rights issues. Discover our latest actions and updates in the Press Release section.

Jan 13, 2026

'No secret police' bill is high on ACLU's list of Hawaiʻi legislative priorities

Immigration, bail reform, and protecting gender-affirming care will be the top priorities for the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaiʻi this legislative session.

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Jan 12, 2026

ACLU Hawaii urges immigrant protections as legislative session approaches

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - ACLU of Hawaii laid out Monday its top priorities for state legislators to address ahead of the 2026 legislative session.

Mandy Fernandes shares ACLU-HI's top legislative priorities for 2026
Jan 10, 2026

Candlelight vigil honors woman killed by ICE officer in Minnesota

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow/AP) - Dozens gathered in downtown Honolulu Friday night to honor a woman who was shot and killed by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in Minneapolis earlier this week.

Community vigil honors the life of Renee Nicole Good
Dec 01, 2025

Trans Community Hits New Barriers To Gender-Affirming Care In Hawaiʻi

Even before President Donald Trump took office, transgender patients in Hawaiʻi were struggling to get insurance to cover some treatments. Now it’s getting worse.

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Nov 20, 2025

Hawai‘i DOE Wants $83,000 To Provide Data On Gender Equity In Schools

DOE has recently stepped up its oversight of high school sports, but parents say they want more information on how female athletes are treated.

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Nov 17, 2025

Honolulu police officers accused of dodging court service in DUI lawsuit

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Three Honolulu police officers accused of wrongful DUI arrests are now facing allegations they deliberately avoided a process server in a class action lawsuit.

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Nov 16, 2025

The Sunshine Interview: The Executive Director of ACLU Hawaiʻi

The group is engaged in a series of critical issues impacting the islands.

Salmah Rizvi, Executive Director and CEO, left, and Sergio Alcubilla, Director of Community Engagement at the ACLU of Hawaiʻi, are photographed Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025, during an ed board meeting at Civil Beat in Honolulu. (Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2025)
Nov 10, 2025

What’s Controversial? Teachers Grapple With Free Speech In Hawaiʻi Schools

A parent’s complaint after a class conversation about Charlie Kirk highlights the larger challenges schools face in teaching government and current events.

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Nov 09, 2025

ACLU Hawaii hosts free event to honor milestone anniversary

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The American Civil Liberties Union celebrated 60 years of service in Hawaii with a free event on Sunday.

A screenshot of the People's Fair at Capitol Modern from Hawaii News Now's coverage