The State Judiciary announced today that it had selected a new site for the planned Kona Judiciary Complex. The new location will be Site F, a 10 acre parcel in Keahuolū, North Kona, which is part of a larger parcel owned by the Queen Lili`uokalani Trust, and located mauka of Queen Ka`ahumanu Highway, and across Makala Boulevard from the Makalapua Center.

The Judiciary had previously selected Site G, which was on lands belonging to the State of Hawai`i; however, during the extended due diligence process, an endangered ‘uhi ‘uhi plant was discovered in an adjacent part of the larger parcel in which Site G was located, which necessitated that another site be selected. Sites F and G were among several sites evaluated during the environmental impact review for the project.

After further review of the available sites, the Judiciary determined that the Keahuolū parcel, Site F, provided the best location and best value for the planned Kona Judiciary Complex. Design work for the project is necessary, and will now focus on the Site F location.

Judiciary officials anticipate that the construction timetable and budget for the project will not be significantly impacted by the change in location, since the design work that has been undertaken so far can be utilized at the new site.