HILO, Hawaiʻi – Over the recent fall break, 20 high school students from various schools on Hawaiʻi Island participated in the first Hilo Law & Justice Academy. The three-day program was held at Hale Kaulike (Hilo courthouse) and ended with a mock trial exercise.
The academy aimed to provide students with insights into the legal system and potential careers in law. Professor Troy Andrade from the William S. Richardson School of Law stated, “We wanted to provide access to a unique opportunity for students from East Hawai’i to learn about our legal system and to see the pathway to civic engagement and a potential career in law.”
Students interested in justice, leadership, advocacy, or legal careers honed skills such as discussion, debate, analysis, and advocacy. Aubree K-Aloha, a 10th grader at Kamehameha Schools-Hawaiʻi, shared her experience: “Something that I liked about the program was being able to talk with various judges and attorneys to learn about their jobs.”
The inaugural event on Maui in 2022 set a precedent for this year's academy organized by PACE. It involved collaboration with several organizations including the Third Circuit Court staff, William S. Richardson School of Law, Hawaiʻi County Bar Association, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo’s Pre-Law Certificate Program and Political Science Department, Kīpuka Native Hawaiian Student Center, and American Judicature Society.
Activities included learning about state and federal government systems through presentations by judges and sessions by attorneys on courtroom procedures. Students engaged in exercises focused on courtroom advocacy and explored educational pathways with UH Hilo and Richardson Law School students. They also toured culturally significant sites in Hilo.
Steven Uejio praised the students’ participation: “Every volunteer judge and attorney who had the opportunity to work with the students was impressed by their curiosity, intelligence, thoughtfulness, and potential.” He added that they are eager to see what these students will achieve.
PACE is considering expanding this program across other areas of Hawai'i. Maulihiwa Weissman encouraged peers saying: “Get out of your comfort zone and join [the Academy]. Who knows? Maybe you will be a lawyer or judge when you are older.”
Sherilyn Tavares noted significant student growth during the academy: “I was very impressed by the growth I witnessed over the three days of the Academy.” She remarked on their eagerness for feedback which increased as they prepared for presentations.
Organizers included Andrade alongside Steven Uejio; Third Circuit Judge Darien Ching Nagata; Federal Magistrate Judge Wes Porter; with key contributions from state Judiciary members like Justice Lisa M. Ginoza among others.