Hawaii Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald today ordered all state courthouses closed to the public, except for official court business, from March 23 to April 30.
Hawaii Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald today ordered all state courthouses closed to the public, except for official court business, from March 23 to April 30.
“The COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, and the Judiciary is taking appropriate steps to ensure the safety of our community,” Recktenwald said. “We join Hawaii’s leaders in doing everything possible to slow the spread of this virus.”
Those with official court business include:
· Parties, attorneys, witnesses, domestic violence advocates, guardians ad litem, interpreters, or any other person who must appear in-person as authorized by previous orders
· Individuals who need to file documents with the court and who are unable to electronically file
· Individuals who request to watch a specific public proceeding
The order states that any person entering judiciary facilities must minimize their time within the facility to the extent reasonably possible. This means going directly to areas of the facility in which their presence is required and leaving immediately after their business is complete. Additionally, anyone in judiciary facilities must maintain six feet between themselves and any other person to the extent feasible, including within courtrooms.
The chief judges of each circuit may issue orders and adjust court operations as necessary to minimize the number of people entering judiciary facilities, including establishing secure drop-boxes outside of courthouses for document filing to replace current in-person filing procedures.
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