Chief Justice Issues Order Limiting In-Court Proceedings

News Release from Hawaii Judiciary, Mar 16, 2020

HONOLULU – Hawaii Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald today issued an order that beginning Tuesday, March 17, and continuing through April 30, with the exception of emergency and time-sensitive matters, in-person appearances for civil, family, and to the extent possible, criminal matters will be limited.

“These significant limitations on our operations are necessary to slow the spread of COVID-19,” said Chief Justice Recktenwald. “Our foremost concern is to protect all individuals who come in contact with the court for any reason.”

The Order significantly reduces the need for in-court appearances and postpones most court proceedings, including all trials. The full Order can be found here.

“Additionally, we have now added a COVID-19 Information Page on the Judiciary’s website,” said Chief Justice Recktenwald. “We also strongly encourage everyone to get general COVID-19 information from other reliable sources, such as the Department of Health and CDC.”

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Judiciary Limiting Access to Facilities

News Release from Hawaii Judiciary, Mar 15, 2020

PDF: Court Order

HONOLULU – The Hawaii State Judiciary announced today that beginning Monday, March 16, it will restrict access to anyone who has a fever, cough, or other respiratory symptoms; has traveled outside Hawaii in the past 14 days; or who has had close prolonged contact with a person who has or is suspected to have COVID-19. Such individuals will not be allowed to enter courthouses and other Judiciary facilities. Signs to this effect will be posted in all buildings. Each sign will include phone numbers to call if the advisement applies to them.

“As more information has become available, we believe it’s prudent to put these additional precautions in place,” said Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald. “We want to ensure a safe environment for everyone in our courthouses and other facilities.”

Additionally, the Judiciary will close Aliiolani Hale, home of the Hawaii Supreme Court, to anyone without official court business.

The Supreme Court Law Library, which is located in Aliiolani Hale, will be closed. Its Hawaii State Law Library System website offers a host of resources and services, including “ask a librarian” for legal information. For assistance, please call 808-539-4964.

The King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center, which provides educational programs for schools and the community, will also be closed. Affected groups, including tour companies, have been notified of the closure.

“Limiting public access to Aliiolani Hale was a difficult decision,” said Chief Justice Recktenwald. “The Law Library and Judiciary History Center are important resources in our community. However, itʻs the right thing to do at this time.”