The Hawaiʻi Supreme Court held an oral argument session at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo’s Performing Arts Center as a part of the Courts in the Community initiative. This session involved more than 250 students from five high schools in East Hawaiʻi. The objective of this initiative is to improve civic education and foster a better understanding of the judicial system.
Participating schools were 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. Students not only observed real court proceedings but also participated in a Q&A session with the justices.
Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald commented, “We are proud to bring the judicial process directly to students through Courts in the Community. It’s important that young people understand the role of the courts in our democracy and the values that underlie our system of justice.”
He further noted the significance of including neighbor island communities in the outreach effort. “This is the fifth time we have heard oral arguments on Hawaiʻi Island. We have also heard oral arguments on Maui and Kauaʻi. Providing students across the state with access to the Supreme Court is a vital part of our commitment to public education and transparency,” Recktenwald added.
Initiated in 2012, the Courts in the Community program has engaged nearly 7,000 students statewide.
The case discussed, State v. Zuffante (SCWC-23-0000376), stems from a traffic stop in Kona, Hawaiʻi, and involves the examination of whether the defendant’s statements to police were voluntary and whether he received effective legal counsel during his trial.
Before the event, attorneys from the Hawaiʻi State Bar Association and the local legal community visited classrooms to help students grasp the appellate process and the case’s legal implications.
The Judiciary expressed gratitude to the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo for hosting, and to the educators, attorneys, and volunteers who contributed to the event’s success for the students of East Hawaiʻi.
For further details about the Courts in the Community program, visit the official website.