Hawaiʻi State Judiciary

Judicial history will come alive on Oʻahu this weekend. Aliʻiōlani Hale, the current home of the Hawai’i Supreme Court, turns 150 years old on Tuesday. The Conversation talked to Matt Mattice and Keahe Davis of the Judiciary Center earlier this week about the festivities.

Voters may be asked if judges can remain on the bench for a few years longer. Judges are required to retire at 70 years old. But lawmakers are considering putting it to voters to increase the retirement age to 75 years old.

A youth-led climate change lawsuit against the state Department of Transportation is scheduled to go to trial this summer. The state is asking lawmakers for more than $2 million to fight it. Sen. Karl Rhoads said he would rather see that money go toward implementing policies that reduce emissions. HPR's Savannah Harriman-Pote reports.

Maui District Family Court Judge Adrianne Heely Caires was recently selected as one of 60 “Courageous Judges” from around the world by the National Judicial College for her work in the community in the aftermath of the fires.

The state Senate unanimously confirmed Judge Lisa Ginoza and attorney Vladimir Devens on Tuesday to serve as associate justices on the Hawai‘i Supreme Court. Ginoza and Devens will fill vacancies resulting from the retirements of Associate Justices Michael Wilson in March and Paula Nakayama in April.

Gov. Josh Green has picked Intermediate Appellate Court judge Lisa Ginoza and Honolulu personal injury lawyer Vladimir Devens to fill vacancies on the Hawaiʻi State Supreme Court. Ginoza and Devens were chosen from a shortlist of six nominees put forward by the Hawaiʻi Judicial Selection Commission.

Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Justice Sabrina McKenna is being recognized this year for her many achievements, including paving the way for other women in the legal profession. The Conversation's Russell Subiono spoke with McKenna about her mentors and achievements throughout her career.

Court interpreters play a critical role in the Administration of Justice, said the state judiciary's equality and access coordinator Debie Tulang-De Silva.

A Hawaiʻi state judge has paved the way for a first-in-the-nation civil trial over whether the oil industry deceived the public about the effects of climate change. Hawaiʻi Circuit Judge Jeffrey Crabtree dismissed attempts by oil companies to throw out the lawsuit.

Hawaiʻi Gov. David Ige has signed an emergency proclamation to temporarily suspend the statutory requirement for the annual initial impaneling of grand juries by Jan. 15.