Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Associate Justice Sabrina S. McKenna recently visited Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), and Guam. During her trip, she served as a volunteer justice pro tem for the CNMI Supreme Court.
Justice McKenna expressed her dedication to public service by using her vacation time for this trip. "It is an honor to be able to serve as a volunteer justice pro tem for the CNMI Supreme Court," she stated.
During her visit, Justice McKenna engaged with the CNMI Judiciary Women Leaders group and discussed a motion in a case with CNMI justices. She also delivered a continuing legal education class titled “Territorial Constitutionalism: Is it Malpractice Not to Take Both Free Throws?” to the CNMI bar. Additionally, she participated in an oral argument in Tang v. Guo and visited the Guam Supreme Court to meet with justices there.
Reflecting on her experience, Justice McKenna said, “It was fascinating to be able to learn some Marianas’ history and to have Chamorro and Carolinian expert historians guide me to historical sites on Saipan.” She noted that since 2004, appeals on federal law issues from the CNMI Supreme Court have been directed straight to the United States Supreme Court, similar to those from other states.