Hawaii Judiciary Postpones Jury Trials Until Nov. 16
It comes in response to the current status of Covid-19 cases.
Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald on Monday issued an extension of an order postponing jury trials across the state through Nov. 16 due to Covid-19 cases.
On Monday state officials reported three new coronavirus-related deaths and 195 infections.
“We continue to be concerned about the number of positive cases and hospitalizations being reported in our community,鈥 the chief justice said in a press release. “We need to take these precautions to reduce the number of people congregating in Judiciary facilities to protect court users and our staff.”
The Judiciary says it has implemented “detailed plans” to safeguard the health and safety of jurors, court staff, attorneys, litigants “and all involved since the resumption of jury trials last November.”
The plans were reviewed by the state Department of Health and included health screening, temperature checks, reconfigured courtrooms to ensure social distancing, plexiglass barriers and providing hand sanitizer, masks, and face shields.
The order includes civil, criminal and family court proceedings, but affects only jury trials, says the press release.
All other court proceedings — “many of which are conducted remotely by Zoom” — will be held as scheduled.
