HONOLULU (KHON2) — Hawaiʻi’s legal community is offering an opportunity for all to learn more about the court system and its workings through a series of free public events.
As part of the Judiciary Equitable and Sustainable Future Speaker Series, a lineup of five programs will kick off on Jan. 30, that aims to build pilina (connection and collaboration) between community members and stakeholders across the justice system.
The goal is to promote important conversations that could influence meaningful changes in law, public policy and institutional practices.
While many legal discussions often feel exclusive to professionals, this event is designed to be accessible and engaging for the general public.
Making legal access inclusive and engaging
Judge Rebecca Copeland, Oʻahu Circuit Court Judge, highlighted the importance of making the judiciary more accessible to the public.
“One of the strengths of the programs we’ve held, both in 2021 and now in 2025, is their openness. These are issues that directly impact people in our communities, and it’s crucial that we bring in diverse voices from all parts of the justice system,” she said as she reflected on the purpose of the event. “The key is creating a space where the public can engage, ask questions and better understand how the system works.”
Judge Copeland has extensive experience in the Hawaiʻi Judiciary, from her work in family court to her recent appointment as a circuit court judge.
Her long career has allowed her to see firsthand how crucial public education is when it comes to addressing disparities in the legal system.
“It’s important for people to feel they can access the courts. When we create these events, we allow people to connect with those who make decisions and have a stake in how things are done,” she said.
The events were launched in 2021 after the death of George Floyd and the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement, which spurred a closer look at racial equity issues in Hawaiʻi.
“The first series we did focused heavily on racial equity,” Judge Copeland explained. “We looked at how the judiciary can improve and address some of the inequities faced by different communities, especially in areas like over-incarceration, which affects Native Hawaiians disproportionately.”
An opportunity to ask questions and learn
Brieanah Gouveia, Curator of Collections & Programs at the King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center, emphasized the significance of these events in fostering education and understanding.
“This is an opportunity for people to directly connect with individuals and organizations involved in the justice system,” Gouveia said. “Whether you’re a law student, a member of the general public, or someone who’s had personal experiences with the legal system, these events offer valuable insights and resources.”
According to Gouveia, the 2021 events were a resounding success.
“We had between 300 and 500 people attending each session,” she recalled. “It was a unique opportunity for the public to participate in critical discussions and hear from professionals and community leaders.”
As in previous years, these discussions will be live streamed on Zoom, and they will be posted to YouTube within a week for those who can’t attend in person.
The events are open to everyone, and the range of attendees has been diverse.
“We expect everyone from attorneys to college students to local community members,” said Gouveia. “These events are for anyone who’s interested in understanding how the justice system works and what needs to be changed to make it more equitable.”
Focus on reform and community impact
The Judiciary Equitable and Sustainable Future Speaker Series spans several months, and each session focuses on different key topics impacting Hawaiʻi’s justice system.
The second program, scheduled for Feb. 20, will explore Resources and Operations: Sustainable Solutions for the Future of Hawaiʻi’s Justice System.
Gouveia outlined the ongoing challenges, particularly the lack of resources, and how some correctional facilities are finding creative solutions.
“Given that Hawaiʻi’s system is overburdened, these discussions will address how we can move toward more sustainable and innovative solutions,” she said.
Other sessions will cover a variety of topics, including Access to Justice (March 13) and Victim and Survivor Services (April 17). One of the most anticipated discussions will focus on building a more trauma-informed justice system, a theme central to the final session in May.
For those who wish to participate, Gouveia provided details on how to sign up.
“Event registration is available through the Judiciary History Center’s website,” she said. “The sessions are free, and people can register to attend in person or virtually.”
Event details
- Program 1: Assessing Hawaiʻi’s Justice System
- Date: Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025.
- Time: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
- Location: Aliʻiōlani Hale, Supreme Court.
- Online: Available via Zoom.
- Program 2: Resources and Operations
- Date: Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025.
- Time: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
- Location: Aliʻiōlani Hale, Supreme Court.
- Online: Available via Zoom.
- Program 3: Access to Justice
- Date: Thursday, March 13, 2025.
- Time: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
- Location: William S. Richardson School of Law.
- Online: Available via Zoom.
- Program 4: Pathways to Healing
- Date: Thursday, April 17, 2025.
- Time: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
- Location: Aliʻiōlani Hale, Supreme Court.
- Online: Available via Zoom.
- Program 5: Perspectives on Reform
- Date: Thursday, May 15, 2025.
- Time: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
- Location: Aliʻiōlani Hale, Supreme Court.
- Online: Available via Zoom.
A collaborative, community-focused approach
Judge Copeland emphasized the importance of community participation in these discussions, as she noted that the program’s true strength lies in the engagement it fosters.
“By hearing from the community members who attend, we gain valuable perspectives that help inform how we move forward,” she said.
This collaborative effort provides an opportunity for all attendees to gain a deeper understanding of the issues within Hawaiʻi’s justice system and to engage in productive dialogues aimed at creating a more equitable and sustainable future for the state’s judicial system.
With free access to educational programs that promise to inspire both conversation and change, Hawaiʻi residents have a unique chance to participate in shaping the future of justice in the islands.
Whether in person or via Zoom, the program offers an important opportunity for community members to take part in a process that could impact public policy, justice reform and social equity across the state.
You can click here to learn more about the event and here to learn more about the King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center.
Assessing Hawaiʻi’s Justice System: Addressing Over-Incarceration, Disparities and Pathways Forward is the series opener on Thursday, Jan. 30, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Aliʻiōlani Hale, the home of the Hawaiʻi State Supreme Court.
This series is made possible by a partnership between the Hawaiʻi State Judiciary’s Committee on Equality and Access to the Courts (CEAC), the King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center and the Hawaiʻi State Bar Association’s Civic Education Committee.
It’s also co-sponsored by the Judiciary’s Office of Equality and Access to the Courts, with the first program focusing on issues within Hawaiʻi’s justice system.