Peaceful Labor Day rallies to promote rights of ‘Workers, NOT Billionaires!’

This Labor Day, working people are planning more than barbecues.

Hawaiʻi Island residents will join thousands more throughout the state — and millions more throughout the United States — on Sept. 1 to send one loud, singular message to President Donald Trump and his administration: America honors “Workers, NOT Billionaires!”

Communities across the country are taking action ths weekend to stop what organizers call a “billionaire takeover” of United States democracy.

Peaceful rallies in Hilo, Kaʻū, Kailua-Kona, Waimea and 4 other locations throughout the islands are being co-organized by nonprofits Indivisible Hawaiʻi and ACLU of Hawaiʻi.

HAWAI‘I ISLAND TIMES, DATES AND LOCATIONS

• 3 TO 5 P.M. SEPT. 1: Pauahi Street and Kamehameha Avenue, Hilo Bayfront; hosted by Indivisible Hilo One, Indivisible Kea‘au and Indivisible Volcano.
• 4 TO 5 P.M. SEPT. 1: Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway, behind the Mormon temple, Kailua-Kona; hosted by Kona Indivisible and Matriarchy Rising.
• Noon TO 1 P.M. SEPT. 1: Highway 11 near U.S. Post Office, Nāʻālehu; hosted by Kaʻū Indivisible.
• 10 TO 11 A.M. SEPT. 1: Māmalahoa Highway, fronting Ikua Purdy Monument, Waimea; hosted by North Hawaiʻi Action Network.

“Our government is under the control of billionaires,” said Indivisible Volcano’s Diana Van De Car in an announcement about the Hilo rally. “They’ve pushed through the largest transfer of wealth in U.S. history, cutting Medicaid and aid to families while lining the pockets of the richest through massive tax cuts.”

Farmers can’t find workers, yet billions go to a private army of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents; as costs rise and wages stagnate, billionaires multiply their fortunes.

“We cannot allow this to continue,” Van De Car said.

Ralliers are encouraged to bring creative signs and musical instruments, including drums. They should also review Indivisible Hawaiʻi’s Peaceful Protest Protocols to keep everyone safe. Events will also feature colorful clothing and a joyful spirit of resistance.

Protests will bring together people from all walks of life — teachers, veterans, immigrants, health care providers, civil rights advocates — most notably working men and women.

Organizers emphasize that while the cause is serious, gatherings will also be family-friendly, fun and focused on building community.

Participants should also consider bringing water, carpooling and inviting friends and neighbors to stand in solidarity.

A core principle of the organizaing groups and those supporting them is a commitment to nonviolent resistance. Participants are expected to seek de-escalation in any confrontation.

Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, are not allowed at events.

“We welcome everyone who shares our concerns about the soaring cost of food, health care, housing and energy, and the sudden loss of critical jobs such as air traffic controllers and national park rangers,” said Sergio Alcubilla with ACLU of Hawaiʻi in another announcement about the rallies. “We hold the rule of law as a core value and are repulsed by the growing gap in income between the top 1% and the rest of us.”

Similar mobilizations are expected in “red, blue and purple” states, cities and rural communities throughout the United States — as well as other countries.

There will also be other groups throughout the state organizing their own pop-up protests against President Donald Trump’s actions in locations of their choice.

“We will not let the president’s military takeover of Washington, D.C., his horrific budget bill and other illegal actions intimidate and silence us,” said Indivisible Hawaiʻi volunteer lead Lisa Gibson in the statewide protest announcement. “We are peacefully taking to the streets across the country to rally against the authoritarian agenda.”  

Visit the Indivisible Hawaiʻi website or contact a chapter member in your community to find additional information. You can also find contact information and how to receive alerts via the website.

“We must let our voices be heard — by the president, by Congress and by our own elected representatives,” Alcubilla said.

Indivisible Hawaiʻi launched in late 2016 and is part of a national grassroots movement advocating for policies that support working families and resisting efforts to undermine social and economic justice.

The rallies continue momentum launched May 1 by a growing people-powered movement committed to justice, fairness, equity and true freedom for all — not just the wealthy few.

Organizers say Labor Day 2025 will be a day of action, solidarity and hope, uniting communities throughout the nation and beyond in defense of democracy, demanding an economy that works for everyone.

“Real change requires collective action,” Van De Car said. “This movement isn’t just about the ballot box or the courts. It’s about people coming together in solidarity to fight for real wins for all of us.”