The courtroom of Hilo Circuit Judge Henry Nakamoto was closed Thursday after an employee learned late Wednesday a household member tested positive for COVID-19.
State Judiciary spokeswoman Jan Kagehiro said the employee, who was asymptomatic, was tested Thursday and that the courtroom and Nakamoto’s chambers were closed “in an abundance of caution.”
“Based on our initial investigation, the employee has been consistently wearing a face mask,” Kagehiro said.
Lester Oshiro, Third Circuit Court administrator, sent an email to employees saying the employee “will remain out of the office pending a negative test result and any further guidance from medical professionals.”
Oshiro said the courtroom and chambers will remain closed “pending further information and any additional appropriate cleaning and disinfecting will be completed before reopening.”
“Moreover, all other employees in (Nakamoto’s courtroom and chambers), all of whom are asymptomatic, will remain out of the office until their return is appropriate,” he added.
Kagehiro said when the employee’s test results are known, the Department of Health will be consulted “and a determination will be made as to when we are able to safely reopen.”
According to Kagehiro, attorneys with business in Nakamoto’s court were notified through the Hawaii Bar Association.
She said one case that was time-sensitive was heard Thursday by Circuit Judge Peter Kubota. All other cases in Nakamoto’s courtroom were postponed, and arriving parties were told they’d be notified of their rescheduled court dates.
“Throughout this public health crisis, the Judiciary has made the safety of our employees and court users our top consideration when making decisions about our operations,” Kagehiro said. “While urgent and essential matters have to proceed, by law, where possible we have made adjustments on how best to conduct court business safely.”
All courthouses were closed on Friday, which was a state and county holiday.
Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
