On Thursday, August 20, the Hawai’i State Judiciary is commemorating the 50th anniversary of statehood with a lunchtime panel discussion featuring retired Chief Justice William S. Richardson and retired Judge Betty M. Vitousek. The speakers will discuss their views on how statehood brought changes to the courts, and share their experiences of living through this historic time.

The event is free and will begin at 12:00 p.m. at the Judiciary History Center at 417 South King Street in the restored 1913 courtroom. Attendees are welcome to bring their lunch.

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Retired Chief Justice William S. Richardson – Chief Justice Richardson served on the Hawai’i Supreme Court from 1966-1982. He advocated for statehood and was active in the Democratic Party, serving as chairman from 1956-1962. In 1962, Chief Justice Richardson was elected Hawaii’s Lieutenant Governor under John A. Burns.

Retired Judge Betty M. Vitousek – Judge Vitousek served as a Family Court judge from 1970 until retiring as Senior Judge of the Family Court of the First Circuit in 1988. As a strong advocate for families and social services, Judge Vitousek helped to establish the Legal Aid Society in Hawai’i.

Contact: Marsha Kitagawa, 539-4909