Posted on: Monday, April 23, 2001

Bank protest focus of ACLU suit

By Walter Wright
Advertiser Staff Writer

The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii will sue the city today to protect the free-speech rights of demonstrators planning to protest the Asian Development Bank meeting here May 7-11, the group's executive director said yesterday.

The city, worried about "anti-globalism" demonstrations like those that provoked violence during the 1999 World Trade Organization meeting in Seattle, is planning to close the sidewalks adjacent to the Convention Center and a large promenade area behind the center, said Vanessa Chong, executive director of the ACLU's Hawai'i chapter.

City spokeswoman Carol Costa declined comment on the suit, except to say that insurance being required of the march sponsor is the same as that required for any organization seeking a parade permit.

About 2,000 to 5,000 demonstrators are expected to take part in a protest march and demonstration during the Asian Development Bank conference here, most likely closing some streets in Waikiki.

ADB Watch, an umbrella group representing about two dozen organizations scheduled to demonstrate on human rights, economic and environmental positions during the conference, has applied for a permit with the city to hold a demonstration and march May 9.

More than 3,000 visitors, including leaders from 60 nations, are scheduled to gather May 7-11 at the Hawai'i Convention Center. Critics plan to demonstrate against the bank's policies, saying they exploit the poor and harm the environment.

Chong said that by creating a "censored speech zone" the city seeks to deny Hawai'i citizens the ability to effectively communicate with the delegates attending the meetings.

The suit will also contest what the ACLU called "arbitrary and unreasonable" conditions that the ACLU says are designed to prevent the planned May 9 "March for Global Justice."

And the suit accuses the city of using a "debate and delay" tactic with protesters to keep them from preparing to exercise their First Amendment rights.