Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald has selected a site across the street from the West Hawai`i Civic Center for the new judiciary complex in Kona.

The 10-acre Kealakehe parcel is owned by the State and is located at the intersection of Kealakehe Parkway and Ane Keohokalole Highway.

The Kona Judiciary Complex, which will be designed to accommodate seven full-time judges and 220 employees, will meet the anticipated needs of West Hawaii’s growing population through 2030 and beyond. Preliminary plans call for the construction of a 142,000 square-foot facility to be completed in 2017. Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in 2014.

“A new courthouse in West Hawai`i is badly needed,” said Chief Justice Recktenwald. “The Kealakehe site will allow the Judiciary to consolidate its operations in a modern facility that will best serve the people of West Hawai`i. I appreciate the support provided by Big Island legislators, members of the bar, and the community. The Judiciary looks forward to working with these important stakeholders in proceeding with this project.”

The selection comes after an extensive environmental review of seven candidate sites, which was described in the December 2011 “Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS)” prepared by Group 70 International on behalf of the Department of Accounting and General Services.