Chief Justice Asks Legislature for $55M to Finish Kona Courthouse
State of the Judiciary address touts accomplishments, highlights goals.
Hawaii Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald wants the Legislature聽to give the Judiciary the remaining $55 million it needs to finish building a courthouse complex in Kona.
State lawmakers approved the first $35 million needed for the project last session and will be considering his request for additional money as they get to work this session, which started last week.
Recktenwald highlighted the budget request during his State of the Judiciary address before the House and Senate on Wednesday at the Capitol.
His speech highlighted a number of accomplishments over the past year, like programs to help veterans, youth and people with disabilities.
Recktenwald聽also talked about the challenges that lie ahead. He wants the judicial system to become more efficient and continue to expand the public’s access to justice.
“There is much work left to be done, but we have come a long way,” he said, later adding that the Judiciary’s foundation depends on its ability to continue giving everyone a “fair shake.”
Read Recktenwald’s full speech here:
