HONOLULU – Throughout May, the Hawaii State Judiciary will host a variety of special events and activities in observance of Law Day, the annual celebration of the role of law, the legal process, and the courts in our democratic society.

The theme of Law Day 2017 is “The Fourteenth Amendment: Transforming American Democracy.” Ratified 150 years ago, the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution defines U.S. citizenship, prohibits states from depriving any person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law, and requires that states ensure equal protection of the laws. This amendment serves as the cornerstone of landmark civil rights legislation. It is the foundation for numerous federal court decisions protecting fundamental rights and inspires advocates of equal justice under the law.

SUPREME COURT (Oahu)

In celebration of Law Day, the Supreme Court Law Library is announcing the opening of a new Self-Help Station that will further advance access to legal information and the courts for self-represented (pro se) litigants.

The Self-Help Station provides:

• Free access to a dedicated computer terminal with word processing software for self-represented individuals to conduct legal research and create legal forms (15 cents per copy)
• Access to legal information and resources through the Judiciary Court Forms web page and LawHelp.org/HI (certain forms are available in Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese)
• Fact Sheets on Annulment, Divorce, Separation, Child Support Modification and Child Custody Modification, designed to provide a basic understanding of legal rights and information on initiating the legal process
• Online brochures and videos in English, Chuukese, Illocano, and Marshallese
• A Legal Services Portal to match users to service providers and information.

The Supreme Court Law Library, located at Aliiolani Hale, 417 South King Street, Honolulu, 96813, is open to the public Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. – 4:15 p.m. Staff is available to provide information services and hand-outs on accessing legal resources.

The Supreme Court Law Library has also recently launched a new online public access catalog called Kanawai (kanawai.bywatersolutions.com). Kanawai provides an online listing of the holdings of all libraries in the Hawaii State Law Library System, including resources available at the Supreme Court Law Library in Honolulu and the courthouse law libraries located on Kauai, Maui, and the Big Island in both Hilo and Kona.

JUDICIARY HISTORY CENTER (Oahu)

On Wednesday, May 3, 2017, the King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center is hosting “State Supreme Courts of the United States: A Historical and Comparative Perspective.” Dr. Douglas Askman, Associate Professor of History at Hawaii Pacific University, will give a pictorial overview of the great variety of buildings and courtrooms utilized by our nation’s highest state courts, and discuss how courthouses reveal differences in judicial philosophy and operations across our nation. Despite their similar missions, supreme courts – and the administration of justice, in general – differ from state to state.

FIRST CIRCUIT (Oahu)

The First Circuit Court on Oahu invited students from grades 2 – 5 to participate in a poster contest in April. Contest entrants produced original artwork on “The 14th Amendment: Our Civil Rights.” Award recipients will be announced in May.

The first place awardees will receive a certificate of achievement and a pizza party for their class. Second and third place awardees will receive a certificate of achievement. All award recipients will have their artwork displayed in a courthouse on Oahu.

SECOND CIRCUIT (Maui)

In May, the Second Circuit Court invited schools on Maui, Molokai, and Lanai, to visit the courts and has offered to have judges speak at the schools. Classes began visiting the courts in April, observing court sessions, and meeting with a judge after court.

Informational placards will also be on display at the courthouses during May. These placards provide information on the 14th Amendment, the Federal and State Constitutions and Government, and Hawaii’s Access to Justice initiatives.

THIRD CIRCUIT (Big Island)

Schools are invited to contact the courts to arrange tours throughout the Third Circuit. Students will have the opportunity to observe court proceedings and meet with judges.

FIFTH CIRCUIT (Kauai)

Members of the public are invited to the Landlord/Tenant Forum, a free panel discussion on common problems between landlords and tenants, on Monday, May 1, 2017, from 1 to 2 p.m., in the Kauai Judiciary Complex Multi-Purpose Room (Puuhonoa Kaulike Building, 3970 Kaana Street, Lihue, 96766).

The panel will be moderated by Linda Vass, Managing Attorney at the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii, Kauai office. Panel members include attorneys Craig DeCosta of the Law offices of De Costa, Hempey and Meyers, LLC, Sherman Shiraishi, and Shauna Lee Cahill.

Questions about this forum may be directed to (808) 482-2347.

Tours of the Kauai Judicial Complex will be available for schools and interested members of the public throughout May. Tour arrangements may be made by calling (808) 482-2347.

A number of educational displays will also be posted at the Kauai Judicial Complex. This year’s displays include the Judiciary Information Management System (JIMS), a Judiciary Adult Client Probation Service display on the HOPE Probation Program, and Juvenile Client and Family Service Branch displays on Girls Court and the Kauai Drug Court. Each educational display features program highlights and provides free program literature.

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