HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Hawaiʻi State Judiciary honored the first six graduates of the Mohala Wahine, also known as Women’s Court, program during a ceremony at the Supreme Court on June 25.
Mohala Wahine began in 2023 as a program to keep women who have a criminal record out of incarceration by addressing common underlying issues unique to wāhine.
Each graduate completed the program requirements, which includes substance abuse treatment, parenting classes, fine payments, sustained sobriety and more.
“Each of the six women in this inaugural class worked hard to earn their graduation certificates,” said Circuit Court Judge Trish Morikawa, who presides over Women’s Court. “They met the expectations and requirements that the program set for them and they reached the goals that they set for themselves. We look forward to their continued success and are grateful for their support of the other women in the program.”
Congratulatory sentiments were also shared by Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald, saying the women have completed a monumental feat.
“These women deserve our admiration,” Recktenwald said. “They’ve made tremendous progress — not only in transforming their own lives but also in strengthening the lives of those who rely on them. Their success shows that the Mohala Wahine program offers an effective path forward for justice-involved women.”
During the graduation ceremony, the honorees spoke to more than 125 attendees, such as family members, friends, dignitaries and more.
“It gave me hope. It gave me peace of mind knowing that there is a future ahead of me,” said graduate Veronica Hanawahine. “To all the staff at Women’s Court, thank you so much.”