Overview

• The Hawaii Judiciary is a state funded court system.  Its appropriation was increased from $130.7 million in FY11 to $132.7 million in FY12.  The courts will maintain the same number of judges and staff and will increase the amount spent on operating costs. 
• To reduce spending, the Hawaiian courts have delayed filling vacancies in judicial support positions and reduced the use of per diem judges, reduced the purchase of service contract expenditures for treatment and related type services, and reduced repair and maintenance expenditures.  These reductions have reduced the options and extent of options available, especially in the family court area, for various services related to treatment, shelter, domestic violence, medical care.
• Salaries of judges and staff have been reduced.  The salary reduction in FY 2012 has not resulted in a decrease in court services since in FY10 and FY11, the Hawaii Judiciary was on a 2-day per month furlough (equivalent to a 9% pay cut). With the furloughs discontinued in FY 2012, court operations and services have been restored to 5 days per week.
• The Hawaiian courts are implementing e-filing.  In prior years, they implemented e-payment of fees and fines.

Reports and Articles

• Ken Kobayashi.  "Judiciary Asks for $16 Million to End Furloughs."  Honolulu Star Advertiser. January 27, 2011.

Gavel to Gavel

• Database. Search the Gavel to Gavel legislation database based on state, year, legislation category, or any combination.