HONOLULU – Throughout May, the Hawaiʻi 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 2025 is “The Constitution’s Promise: Out of Many, One.”  This year, the American Bar Association encourages us to explore the framework of government established by our Constitution, which bridges our differences and unites us as one citizenry.  By working together through means such as our representative government, jury service, and a regular Census, our civic lives tie us together to fulfill the promise of E pluribus unum – “Out of many, one.”

Judiciary staff are pleased to provide a variety of interesting activities designed to help our community better understand these concepts by learning more about how our legal system works.

SUPREME COURT LAW LIBRARY (Oʻahu)

The Supreme Court Law Library has published a special Law Day edition of its quarterly e-newsletter.  It features Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald sharing his perspective on the Law Day theme in the context of the Judiciary.  Other Judiciary employees provide reflections on the Law Day theme in terms of their roles and responsibilities.

The full newsletter is available at:  https://histatelawlibrary.com/lawday/law-day-2025/

FIRST CIRCUIT (Oʻahu)

The First Circuit Court invited students from grades 3 – 8 to participate in its annual Law Day Art Contest.  The contest provides an opportunity for students to learn about the legal system, justice, get creative, and win prizes by producing original artwork on the 2025 Law Day theme.

Awardees will receive a certificate of achievement, a Law Day medal, and a gift card. All award recipients will be announced in the weeks to come and will have their artwork displayed in a courthouse on Oʻahu.

SECOND CIRCUIT (Maui, Moloka‘i, and Lāna‘i)

In May, schools on Maui, Moloka‘i, and Lāna‘i interested in observing court proceedings, touring Judiciary facilities, and meeting with Judges are invited to call the Office of the Chief Court Administrator at 808-244-2929.

THIRD CIRCUIT (Hawai‘i Island)

Students of the Ulana Home School Co-Op will visit the Hale Kaulike courthouse in Hilo to participate in a mock trial with Judge Jeffrey Hawk on May 30.

Schools are invited to visit court facilities throughout the Third Circuit where students may observe court proceedings, tour the buildings, and meet with judges.  On Hawai‘i Island call the Court Operations Branch at 808-961-7400 to reserve a date.

FIFTH CIRCUIT (Kaua‘i)

The Fifth Circuit Court is excited to be holding its second annual Law Day Art Contest.  This year, the contest has been expanded to include eighth and ninth graders from six of the main public middle and high schools on Kaua‘i.  Judge Gregory H. Meyers visited the schools to speak to the students about the theme of Law Day and also met with social study teachers.

Participating students will produce original artwork on the 2025 Law Day theme.  Awardees will receive a certificate of achievement, a Law Day medal, and a gift card.  All award recipients will have their artwork displayed in the Kaua‘i Judiciary Complex.

A number of educational displays will also be posted at the complex.  This year’s displays include the Kaua‘i Drug Court/Veterans Court and Court Appointed Special Advocates.

JUDICIARY HISTORY CENTER (Oʻahu)

The King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center conducted a free Zoom webinar on Law Day:

Access to Justice: Public Accommodations and The Future of Hawaiʻi’s Judiciary
Thursday, May 1, 2025
from 12 – 1:15 p.m. (HST)

A panel of legal professionals and advocates committed to fostering a more inclusive judiciary discussed ways Hawaiʻi’s court systems can be more inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the needs of its diverse communities, addressing issues such as age, disability, sex/gender, citizenship status, and technology.

A recording of the program will be posted to the History Center’s YouTube page at:

https://www.youtube.com/@jhchawaii/videos

* Law Day is an annual event, originally conceived in 1957 when American Bar Association President Charles Rhynes envisioned a national day to mark our commitment to the Rule of Law.  The following year, President Dwight D. Eisenhower established the first Law Day.  In 1961 Congress issued a joint resolution designating May 1 as the official date.