Hawaii Students Praised for Anti-ICE Protests

Letter writer argues students are acting as patriots in opposing immigration authorities

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A recent letter to the editor of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser criticized Kalaheo High School students for protesting against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), arguing that it shows the younger generation does not respect authority. However, the letter's author argues that the student protesters should be praised as patriots, drawing parallels to historic protests like the Boston Tea Party and the Hawaiian Ku'e petitions against annexation.

Why it matters

The letter highlights the ongoing debate around student activism and civil disobedience, with some viewing it as a lack of respect for authority and others seeing it as a patriotic exercise of free speech and the right to protest. This issue is particularly relevant in Hawaii, which has a long history of resistance to perceived injustices by the U.S. government.

The details

The letter responds to a previous letter that criticized Kalaheo High School students for protesting against ICE. The author argues that the student protesters should be praised as patriots, drawing comparisons to historic acts of civil disobedience like the Boston Tea Party and the Hawaiian Ku'e petitions against annexation. The author also mentions more recent protests, such as the 'No Kings' protests in 2025 that drew millions of participants.

  • The Kalaheo High School students protested against ICE on February 11, 2026.
  • The previous letter criticizing the student protesters was published in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser on February 18, 2026.

The players

Kalaheo High School students

High school students in Hawaii who protested against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Herman Marciel

The author of the letter defending the Kalaheo High School student protesters and arguing that they should be praised as patriots.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“On the contrary, the students should be praised as patriots doing what those opposed to evil have always done — they protest.”

— Herman Marciel (Honolulu Star-Advertiser)

The takeaway

This letter highlights the ongoing debate around student activism and civil disobedience, with some viewing it as a lack of respect for authority and others seeing it as a patriotic exercise of free speech and the right to protest. The author's defense of the Kalaheo High School students as 'patriots' draws parallels to historic acts of resistance, underscoring the complex and often contentious nature of these issues in Hawaii and beyond.