HI SB189

Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 602-55 to expand the Chief Justice's authority to designate substitute judges for the Intermediate Court of Appeals.

Authorizes the Chief Justice to designate circuit court judges, retired intermediate appellate judges, or retired supreme court justices to temporarily fill vacancies or when insufficient judges are available due to disqualification.

Requires substitute judges to not be actively engaged in the practice of law and to be compensated per diem at the rate equivalent to associate intermediate appellate judges.

Clarifies that substitute judges may be designated to fill the need to make up a three-judge panel when necessary.

Takes effect upon approval.