HI HR171

Urges the Hawaii Judiciary to expedite the selection of a site for the Kona Judiciary Complex, with the final decision to be made by the Chief Justice of the Hawaii Supreme Court.

Requests the Judiciary consider Lāi'ōpua (tax map key number 3-7-4-021:003), a Department of Hawaiian Home Lands property, as a potential site for the complex.

Notes that the County of Hawaii has the highest population growth rate in the state, with North and South Kona representing approximately 25 percent of the county population, projected to increase 52.5 percent by 2020.

Cites inadequate current court facilities in West Hawaii scattered across multiple buildings not originally designed as courtrooms, including deficient holding cells, poor parking, and lack of modern courtroom design standards.

Urges the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to cooperate with the Judiciary in the site selection process and directs certified copies be sent to the Chief Justice and the Hawaiian Homes Commission Chairperson.