Hawaii State Judiciary

The Hawaii State Judiciary is the judicial branch of the state government, dedicated to administering justice impartially, efficiently, and accessibly in accordance with the law. As the third branch of government, it plays a crucial role in upholding individual rights and freedoms, which are fundamental to a sound democracy.

The Judiciary operates a unified state court system under the leadership of the Chief Justice of the Hawaii Supreme Court. This system includes several courts:

Court System

• Supreme Court: The state's highest court, making binding decisions over appeals from lower courts and cases eligible to be heard directly by the Supreme Court. It is also responsible for court rules, licensing, and disciplining attorneys.
• Intermediate Court of Appeals: Reviews appeals from state trial court or agency decisions. Its decisions, under certain circumstances, are subject to the Hawaii Supreme Court’s review.
• Land Court: A statewide court of record with exclusive jurisdiction over applications for the registration of title to land and easements or rights in land held and possessed.
• Tax Appeal Court: A statewide court of record with jurisdiction over disputes concerning various taxes, including property, excise, liquor, tobacco, income, and insurance taxes.
• Circuit Courts: Rule in all jury trial cases.

Access to Justice Initiatives

The Hawaii State Judiciary is committed to enhancing access to justice through various initiatives. One such initiative is the Access to Justice Centers, where volunteer attorneys and AmeriCorps Advocates provide free legal advice and information to unrepresented litigants, assisting them in navigating court forms and processes.

The Judiciary also offers Self-Help Centers staffed by volunteer attorneys and Legal Aid staff, providing limited legal information to self-represented litigants in civil matters related to landlord-tenant disputes, collection cases, temporary restraining orders, divorces, custody, and other issues.

Job Opportunities

For those interested in contributing to the Judiciary's mission, the Hawaii State Judiciary offers job opportunities across its various divisions. Positions are available in areas such as court administration, legal services, and support roles, providing individuals with the chance to make a meaningful impact on the community.

Locations

The Hawaii State Judiciary operates across multiple locations throughout the state, including:

• Pearl City, HI, USA - Headquarters and primary location.
• Oʻahu (First Circuit): Kaʻahumanu Hale (Circuit Court) and Kauikeaouli Hale (District Court) in Honolulu, and the Kapolei Judiciary Complex (Family Court) in Kapolei.
• Maui County (Second Circuit): Hoapili Hale (Circuit Court) and Wailuku District Court in Wailuku, and the Kapolei Judiciary Complex (Family Court) in Kapolei.
• Hawaiʻi Island (Third Circuit): Hale Kaulike (Circuit Court) in Hilo, and the Keahuolū Courthouse (Circuit Court) in Kailua-Kona.
• Kauaʻi (Fifth Circuit): Puʻuhonua Kaulike (Circuit Court) in Līhuʻe.

These locations ensure that the Judiciary's services are accessible to residents across the Hawaiian Islands, upholding the commitment to impartial and efficient justice statewide.