ACLU Calls Union Lawsuit to Stop HYCF Investigation of Guards Harassment
September 26, 2003
Honolulu - The ACLU of Hawai'i today condemned the actions of the union representing prison guards after a hearing before the State Labor Relations Board. UPW wanted to subpoena ACLU's legal director and also force the turn over of documents relating to its investigation of conditions and guard abuse at the Hawai'i Youth Correctional Facility (HYCF).
"This is an attempt to harass the local ACLU for speech critical of union members," said legal director Brent White.
"The ACLU has every right to investigate conditions at HYCF. It would have been irresponsible for the state not to respond to the inhumane conditions we discovered. Had the state not responded, we would have had to file a lawsuit. We will continue to fight to protect the children confined at HYCF who have placed their trust in us and who fear for their lives," White continued.
The ACLU has until October 6 to file a motion to quash the Board's order. A hearing on the motion will be scheduled for October 7. If the motion is denied, a deposition of White is scheduled for October 8 before he leaves for teaching positions in Thailand and Japan.
Executive director Vanessa Chong said, "we are considering all of our legal options. We have no intention of turning over any information that would put our clients in danger and place them into the hands of the very guards who are alleged to have abused them."
To view the complete ACLU report and findings on HYCF, log onto its website at http://acluhawaii.org
Related Information:
Complete ACLU Report of Findings and Recommendations pretaining to HYCF
ACLU Wants Reform of Youth Correctional Facility Calls Governor's New Appointment "Good First Step"
ACLU Rejects Union Demand for Release of Juvenile Facility Information
Ph.: (808)522-5900 Fax: (808)522-5909 Email: office@acluhawaii.org
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