10 things to know about today's ‘Hands Off' protest at Hawaiʻi's State Capitol

Yahoo

05-04-2025

HONOLULU (KHON2) — Today, Saturday, April 5, is host to a nationwide protest called 'Hands Off'. It is taking place in all 50 states and aims to defend democracy, personal freedoms and climate justice.
This movement is being organized by progressive groups like Third Act and Reproductive Freedom for All, with support from leaders like Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders.
Organizers indicated that the marches are a direct response to POTUS and his sidekick who are seen as undermining democratic values and personal freedoms.
The protests are focused on opposing political and corporate efforts that limit rights. Those include healthcare, wages and safety. Activists are pushing back against policies that benefit the wealthy while stripping away protections for everyday people.
More than 1,000 events are scheduled across the United States from rallies and marches to teach-ins and digital actions.
The protests will span major cities from Washington, D.C.to Honolulu and is including smaller towns and college campuses across the country.
The rally is taking place at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol at 415 S. Beretania Street.
The rally begins at 12 p.m. and goes to 2 p.m.
Bring your signs and be ready to network.
It's a mass mobilization with the expectation of millions participating.
The message is resistance not violence.Some local attorneys are cautioning to keep the march civil since POTUS does have the power to declare martial law nationwide and send National Guard troops into cities.
You have the right to remain silent; simply say, 'I am exercising my right to remain silent and want a lawyer.'. Ask, 'Am I being detained or am I free to go?' If you are not detained, then you can leave. Write a legal support hotline on your arm in permanent marker.
Pack essentials like water, snacks, phone with passcode, external battery, mask, emergency contacts and cash. Avoid weapons, illegal items or anything you don't want police to see or confiscate.
Stay with your group, remain peaceful and avoid engaging with agitators or counter-protesters. You have the right to film police but must not interfere. If arrested, don't resist. Only provide your name and birthdate; then, wait for a lawyer.
Disable Face ID and fingerprint unlock and use a strong passcode. Use encrypted apps like Signal for messaging. During tense moments, consider airplane mode and back up or live stream important footage.
Familiarize yourself with local legal hotlines and mutual aid networks by searching 'Honolulu Mutual Aid'. National organizations like National Lawyers Guild (NLG) and ACLU provide legal support and know-your-rights guides. Plan ahead for transportation or accessibility needs.
Even peaceful protests can lead to police in riot gear, surveillance and unexpected aggression. Stay calm. Your body language and tone are important. Don't argue or run; keep your hands visible. Filming is legal but prioritize your safety while doing so.
Attend the march with a trusted companion and have a plan in case you're separated. Share your locations, set meet-up spots if the crowd shifts and check in with each other before and after the event.
Avoid rubbing your eyes. Blink rapidly and rinse with water or saline. If possible, wear glasses instead of contacts. Bring a bandana or cloth to cover your face if necessary.
Wear neutral colors without logos or slogans and cover any identifying tattoos or features to protect your identity in photos and footage. Avoid flashy items or jewelry, and dress in layers to adapt to temperature changes or alter your appearance if needed.
While posting raises awareness, it can also reveal identities or locations. Blur faces in protest photos, avoid sharing your location in real-time and use private stories or encrypted channels for sharing sensitive content to maintain privacy.
This information came from the NLG. You can click to read more.
You can click to read more about the nationwide protests, including information on the protest in Honolulu.
The following information was provided to KHON2.com by Salmah Y. Rizvi who is the Executive Director for ACLU of Hawai'i (ACLU-HI).
Unfortunately, due to current staffing limitations, ACLU-HI is unable to serve as 'Legal Observers' at this march.
However, ACLU-HI empowers citizens to serve as legal observers and their Board Director provides training to become a Legal Observe. Click to find out more. There is even training specifically for the Hands-Off marches. Click to learn more.
Under the First Amendment, your free speech and protest rights are strongest in what are known as 'traditional public forums,' such as streets, sidewalks and parks.
Counterprotesters also have free speech rights. Police must treat protesters and counterprotesters equally. Police are permitted to keep antagonistic groups separated but should allow them to be within sight and sound of one another.
When you are lawfully present in any public space, you have the right to photograph anything in plain view, including federal buildings and the police.
If you are stopped by police while protesting, stay calm. Make sure to keep your hands visible. Don't argue, resist or obstruct the police, even if you believe they are violating your rights. Point out that you are not disrupting anyone else's activity and that the First Amendment protects your actions.
Ask the police officer if you are free to leave. If the officer says yes, calmly walk away.
If you are under arrest, you have a right to ask why. Otherwise, say you wish to remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Don't say anything or sign anything without a lawyer.
You have the right to make a local phone call, and if you're calling your lawyer, police are not allowed to listen.
You never have to consent to a search of yourself or your belongings. If you do explicitly consent, it can affect you later in court.
Police may 'pat down' your clothing if they suspect you have a weapon and may search you after an arrest.
Police officers may not confiscate or demand to view your photographs or video without a warrant, nor may they delete data under any circumstances. However, they may order citizens to cease activities that are truly interfering with legitimate law enforcement operations.
When you can, write down everything you remember, including the officers' badge and patrol car numbers and the agency they work for.
Get contact information for witnesses.
Take photographs of any injuries.
Once you have all of this information, you can file a written complaint.
Shutting down a protest through a dispersal order must be law enforcement's last resort. Police may not break up a gathering unless there is a clear and present danger of riot, disorder, interference with traffic or other immediate threat to public safety.
If officers issue a dispersal order, they must provide a reasonable opportunity to comply, including sufficient time and a clear, unobstructed exit path.
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Individuals must receive clear and detailed notice of a dispersal order, including how much time they have to disperse, the consequences of failing to disperse and what clear exit route they can follow, before they may be arrested or charged with any crime.
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