Big Island protests policy actions from Trump, Musk with four separate events

Hawaiʻi Island residents can be part of a nationwide day of action and say, “Hands Off Hawaiʻi,” to protest President Donald Trump’s second administration on Saturday.

The protests, which have been dubbed “Hands Off! National Day of Action,” are centered around taking a stand against Trump and Elon Musk’s recent policy actions such as firing federal workers and shuttering Social Security offices.

More than 1,000 protest events have been scheduled in al 50 states as grassroots organizations, progressive groups and nonprofits fight to preserve schools, healthcare, environmental protection, social sercurity, immigrants, cancer research and much more.

Indivisible groups across Hawai‘i Island will participate in four different “Hands Off Hawaiʻi,” events to stop the federal government from touching social security, classrooms, healthcare, veterans services and more.

Silent protests will be held in Kaʻū, Kona, Waimea, and Hilo as part of a coordinated, peaceful
demonstration across the country to raise awareness of federal policies that threaten Hawai‘i’s
people and resources.

“Hawai‘i is standing up to say enough is enough. We are calling for the federal government to
stop putting corporate profits and political gain over the well-being of our communities,” said
Olani Lilly, organizer for the “Hands Off Hawaiʻi!” event in Hilo. “These protests will show our unity and strength in the face of policies that strip away our rights, services, and futures.”

• Hilo
  • 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • Ross Dress for Less at 307 E Makaala St. Hilo
• Waimea
  • 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
  • Ikua Purdy Monument and Parker Ranch Center
• Kailua-Kona
  • 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway, south of Henry Street, behind the Mormon Temple
• Naʻalehu
  • 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Naʻalehu Post Office

“Hands Off Hawaiʻi!” will have also have events on Kauaʻi, Maui and Oʻahu that will range from rallies and protests to empty chair town halls and digital campaigns, underscoring the real-life consequences of Trump’s policies and show how communities are fighting back.

Organizers encourage participants to bring water, prepare for the weather, and help spread
awareness through their social media channels. They can bring handmade signs, or pre-made signs that can be downloaded here.

“Our goal is to communicate that Hawai‘i will not be ignored or exploited. We are standing in
solidarity with communities across the country that are fighting for economic justice, social
protections, and democracy,” Lilly said.

According to the Indivisible Hilo One group, their main goals this year are to:

• Close the wealth gap;
• Advocate for economic justice and fair taxation;
• Preserving and growing democracy;
• Resisting authoritarian overreach;
• Protecting voting rights
• Mobilizing to take back Congress by flipping the House and Senate in 2026
• Blocking Trump’s extreme agenda
• Fighting climate change

For the North Hawaiʻi Action Network in Waimea, they have been committed to protecting human rights, civil liberties, equality and the health of the planet since 2018. They often host sign-waving events and protests, community meetings and meet with policymakers on specific issues that are often locally and nationally relevant.

More information on the six chapters of Indivisible Hawaiʻi on the Big Island can be found here.

A core principle behind all Hands Off! events is a commitment to nonviolent action, so in preparation for Saturday, Indivisible Hawaiʻi invites the public to attend a safety and de-escalation training at 2 p.m. Hawaiʻi time tomorrow to ensure best practices in creating a safe and welcoming space.

By the end of the session, volunteers will have a better understanding of how to recognize escalating behavior, respond calmly, and diffuse potential conflicts—whether with opposition groups, bystanders, or law enforcement.

Through the rest of the week, the Indivisible Project as a whole is urging everyone to contact their representatives and tell them to block H.R. 22, an bill that would require voters to show proof of citizenship documents that match their current legal name, which many Americans donʻt have.

Hawaiʻi Island residents can call:

• Senator Brian Schatz
  • (808) 523-2061
  • (202) 224-3934
• Senator Mazie Hirono
  • (808) 522-8970
  • (202) 224-6361
• Representative Jill Tokuda
  • (808) 746-6220
  • (202) 225-4906

For more information about the “Hands off Hawaiʻi” email info@indivisiblehawaii.org.