Updated 2/2/21, 11:58 a.m.
Reports of domestic violence have increased during the pandemic, and that has the state judiciary concerned.
Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald told the legislature how the state's judicial system is faring during the COVID-19 pandemic during his State of the Judiciary address last week. He highlighted the courts have been backlogged more than usual due to safety concerns, and an overwhleming amount of COVID-related citations.
He says more than 60,000 COVID-related citations have been issued on Oahu. That's compared to the 20,000 criminal citations the first circuit district court handled in 2019. Violating an emergency order is a full misdemeanor, carrying a possible sentence of up to a year in prison.
Recktenwald also noted the pandemic is also having an impact on Hawaii's families.
"The Domestic Violence Action Center reports a 652% increase in client contacts for the six-month period from April to September of 2020, when compared to the prior year," he said.
"Moreover, there are approximately 800 pending jury trials in Honolulu's domestic violence criminal division. And of course, new cases are coming in every week."
Recktenwald says time is crucial for survivors of domestic violence. And with a case backlog, getting a resolution for them in a matter of years is unacceptable.
"Delay in these cases puts lives at risk, and reducing the services that we provide to prevent future abuse only worsens the harm," Recktenwald said.
Recktenwald asked the legislature not to reduce the judiciary's opertaing budget this year -- saying it will have a profound impact on the branch's duties and programs.
-- HPR's Casey Harlow
Where we stand
The state Department of Health reported 64 new cases and no new fatalities on Tuesday.
According to the state's numbers, O?ahu had 41, Maui 17, Hawai?i Island 4, and Kaua?i, Lanai and Moloka?i had no new cases. 2 resident was diagnosed out of state.
The latest state count brings the O?ahu total to 21,021, Hawai?i County 2,173, Maui 1,770, Kaua?i 179, Lanai 107, and Moloka?i 25. The number of out-of-state cases totals 732.
Since the pandemic began, the state has tallied 26,007 cases. The death toll stands at 410.
2020 a 'very competitive' year for home buyers
2020 was a very competitive year for homebuyers, but a very good year for sellers on Oahu. That's according to the local real estate firm Locations Hawaii, which recently released its end of year report.
According to the firm, mid-market single-family homes sold faster and at a higher price in 2020 than in the previous two years.
Locations President and CEO Jason Lazzerini says home sales rose 3% last year compared to 2019. He says there were several factors contributing to the increased demand from buyers.
"We have a very low supply here for homes, and pretty high demand," Lazzerini said. "And that's why you see home prices rise year after year after year."
"In addition to that, you have this crazy low interest rate environment, which really sped up the demand. And the people that were not in the market, suddenly wanted to get in the market. The people in the market now can afford more home."
Lazzerini says he expects 2021 to continue to be great for sellers, but very competitive for buyers.
-- HPR's Casey Harlow
