Hawaiʻi State Judiciary

Gov. Josh Green has signed into law several bills related to the state Judiciary, including a $400 million budget and a permanent program to help rehabilitate women in the criminal justice system.

Mohala Wahine, an alternative to incarceration for women, held its first commencement. Also known as Women's Court, this program guides women through a trauma-based approach to get them ready to return to society.

HPR's government reporter Ashley Mizuo spoke with Chief Justice Recktenwald about these judicial wins and his retirement.

This legislative session was one of the most successful for the Judiciary: better compensation, more judge positions and more diversion programs. HPR's Ashley Mizuo reports on why that branch of government was able to get most of its legislative package passed.

A guardian ad litem is a court-appointed attorney who is there to protect the interests of a person who cannot take care of themselves. But there are only two doing this work for the island of Oʻahu.

Lawmakers advanced a bill that would pay jurors $50 each day they spend in court. They currently receive $30.

President Trump’s recent executive order declared English as the official language of the country for the first time. The Hawaiʻi State Judiciary says the order does impact the state.

For those who think they may qualify for criminal record expungement or bench warrant recalls, free legal services are available Saturday at Waiʻanae Public Library.

Once received, people have 10 days to return the questionnaire in a provided envelope. If not returned by the deadline, there could be penalties.

A judge has temporarily blocked the state from enforcing a law requiring midwives to get special licensing. An attorney at the Center for Reproductive Rights said the move will allow the plaintiffs to begin practicing midwifery immediately. HPR's Ashley Mizuo has more.