Forum
U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii
Case Status
Pending
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Additional Information
U.S. Chamber Challenges Hawaii Law Restricting First Amendment RightsCase Updates
U.S. Chamber files First Amendment lawsuit challenging Hawaii Act 11, which purports to totally ban corporate political speech on Hawaii state elections and ballot initiatives
September 24, 2026
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce filed a lawsuit challenging Hawaii's Act 11, a state law that prohibits corporations, nonprofits, trade associations and other organizations from participating in speech related to state elections and ballot initiatives. The Chamber contends that the law’s sweeping ban on political speech violates longstanding First Amendment protections repeatedly recognized by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Act 11 silences not only Hawaii organizations but also organizations formed outside the state, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
The Supreme Court has repeatedly held that First Amendment protections extend to corporations and other associations. The Chamber's lawsuit argues that Hawaii's law directly conflicts with decades of settled precedent protecting the right of Americans to join together through organizations to speak on matters of public concern.
Caleb P. Burns and Jeremy J. Broggi of Wiley Rein, along with Trever K. Asam and Lindsay N. McAneeley of Cades Schutte, served as outside counsel.