HI HB1134

Appropriates $88,994 for fiscal year 2015-2016 to establish Hōʻokele legal self-help service centers in Hilo and Kona on the island of Hawaii, including equipment, supplies, and salaries for one judicial clerk III in Hilo and one court documents clerk III in Kona.

Appropriates $74,784 for fiscal year 2016-2017 to fund salaries for the same two full-time positions in Hilo and Kona.

Establishes Hōʻokele as a legal self-help service that refers and directs self-represented individuals to appropriate judiciary programs and outside agencies to assist with court procedures and forms.

Addresses the growing number of self-represented parties in family court and small claims court by providing easier access to courts and reducing staff time spent on procedural explanations.

Takes effect on July 1, 2015.