New Civil Liberties and Constitution Day Promotes Equal Rights

Governor Neil Abercrombie Signs SB 856 into law. Photo courtesy Office of the Governor, State of Hawaiʻi.

By Maui Now Staff

Governor Neil Abercrombie signed a bill into law that establishes a Civil Liberties and Constitution Day.

The legislation notes the efforts of several Americans of Japanese ancestry who challenged the validity and constitutionality of the internment of more than 110,000 Japanese Americans during WWII.

The governor recognized Fred Korematsu, Gordon Hirabayashi, Min Yasui, and Mitsuye Endo f0r challenging those wartime actions.

Upon signing SB 856, Gov. Abercrombie released a statement saying, “Civil Liberties and the Constitution Day will serve to recognize and remind us of the courage of those who remained committed to freedom, even when their own civil liberties and rights were being challenged,” Gov. Abercrombie said.

He continued saying, “It is the actions of these individuals – these brave ‘resisters’ – that best reflect the ideals of the US Constitution.”

Senator Les Ihara, Jr., who led the introduction of the bill also released a statement saying the legislation, “will ensure that the courage and actions of individuals who have fought for the constitutional and civil rights of all Americans will not be forgotten.”

The new Civil Liberties and Constitution Day will be observed on January 30 of each year, promoting equal rights for all citizens.