The Hawaiʻi Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a significant case in Hilo, on April 17, as part of its Courts in the Community program. Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald, along with Associate Justices Sabrina S. McKenna, Todd W. Eddins, Lisa M. Ginoza, and Vladimir P. Devens, will preside over the oral argument in the case of State of Hawaiʻi v. Charles Zuffante. Approximately 275 students from five area high schools will have the opportunity to witness the proceedings.
The program aims to educate students about the judicial process and the role of courts in democracy. William Heflin, President of the Hawaiʻi County Bar Association, will moderate the event at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Performing Arts Center. Participating schools include Hilo High School, Waiākea High School, Hawaiʻi Academy of Arts and Science Public Charter School, Connections Public Charter School, and Laupāhoehoe Community Public Charter School.
Media wishing to cover the event should file an application for extended coverage with the Supreme Court’s Office of the Chief Clerk. There are no restrictions for pool coverage, allowing individual media outlets to use their equipment for video and photography. Interviews will be available with the Chief Justice and selected students after the proceedings. However, photographing or filming the students' faces will not be permitted.
Interested readers can find further details about State of Hawaiʻi v. Charles Zuffante on the Judiciary website. The Judiciary Communication and Community Affairs Office will provide media with pictures and video of the event.
For media representatives, the doors will open to the public at 9:30 a.m., and the oral argument is scheduled to start at 10 a.m.