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ACLU of Hawaii briefs Chinatown board on immigrant‑rights bills and outreach plan
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Summary
The ACLU of Hawaii presented a package of state bills — including restoring ‘sensitive‑location’ protections, a ‘No Secret Police’ transparency measure, anti‑deputization language and the Truth Act — and urged Chinatown canvassing and testimony at upcoming hearings.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii presented to the Downtown Chinatown Neighborhood Board on Thursday about a multi‑part campaign to protect immigrants’ rights and limit local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
Sergio Alcabeglia, director of community engagement, and Mandy Fernandez, the ACLU’s policy director, summarized legislative priorities now moving through the Hawaii Legislature: restoring protections for "sensitive locations" (hospitals, schools, courthouses), requiring visible identification for federal agents (a "No Secret Police" concept), limiting deputization or local participation in civil immigration enforcement, the Truth Act to ensure detained persons receive rights information in their language, and fixes to sentencing rules and U‑visa certification processes.
"There is no law that we could pass at the state or local level that would prevent ICE from coming to Hawaii," Fernandez said, but the proposed measures aim to safeguard civil rights and reduce chilling effects that deter residents from seeking services. She emphasized outreach and legal‑rights education, noting volunteers will be trained for door‑to‑door canvassing with translated materials.
Board members asked whether language in various bills covers non‑police public agencies; Fernandez said some legislative vehicles are broad and she would seek amendments to ensure inclusion (for example, fire departments in anti‑deputization language). The presenters encouraged community members to provide written and vocal testimony at Committee hearings and to use the ACLU’s "know your rights" materials.
The presenters also highlighted immediate procedural opportunities: several bills have hearings scheduled the following morning and the ACLU offered to supply translated materials and to train volunteers to help merchants and residents understand implications.
The board did not take a formal vote on endorsing the legislative package but members discussed potential resolutions and next steps for neighborhood outreach.
