Informational Briefing on the Rule of Law

from COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY Senator Karl Rhoads, Chair Senator Mike Gabbard, Vice Chair

NOTICE OF INFORMATIONAL BRIEFING DATE, TIME: Tuesday, September 15, 2026 10:00 A.M.

The Judiciary Committee is holding an informational briefing to hear from the Honorable Mark E. Recktenwald, Retired Chief Justice, Hawaiʻi Supreme Court, on the rule of law. 

The Chief Justice is part of the "Alliance of Former Chief Justices" which is a project of the nonpartisan civic organization "Keep Our Republic".  

The rule of law is defined by the World Justice Project as "a durable system of laws, institutions, norms, and community commitment that delivers four universal principles: accountability, just law, open government, and accessible and impartial justice."  Recent U.S. presidential executive orders and policies have challenged the judicial branch's powers and tested the limits of the rule of law. 

This informational briefing will examine questions about adherence to the rule of law and the role of an independent judicial system. 

1.  Welcome and Introductions 

2.  Presentation “Defending the Rule of Law”, the Honorable Mark E. Recktenwald (Retired), Chief Justice, Hawaiʻi Supreme Court

3.  Questions from the Committee (limited to 5 minutes per Member for Questions and Answers)  

As is the norm for informational briefings, no public testimony will be accepted. Briefing Materials (if any)

---30---

Sept 14 2026: Not Even Close: 7-2 high court rejects Trump mail ballot restrictions

R: Supreme Court won’t let Postal Service restrict mail ballots | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

AP: Hawaiʻi voting groups cheer as high court rejects Trump mail ballot restrictions - Honolulu Civil Beat