SCR 96 Summary

• Urges the Hawaii Judiciary to investigate alternative locations for replacing or relocating the Ewa/Pearl City District Courthouse, which is over 30 years old and experiencing structural issues including foundation sinking and water intrusion.

• Encourages the Judiciary to leverage the transit-oriented development opportunities in the Aiea-Pearl City region, where three rail stations (Leeward Community College, Pearl Highlands, and Pearlridge Center) are located near the current courthouse at 870 4th Street.

• Requests the Judiciary consider including mixed-use elements in any redevelopment plans and explore a potential land swap to relocate the courthouse within the transit-oriented development zones.

• Calls for the Judiciary to pursue public-private partnerships to reduce state funding requirements and realize cost savings compared to the $420 million in general obligation bonds appropriated in 2017 for repairs.

• Directs transmission of certified copies to the Hawaii Supreme Court Chief Justice and the Administrative Director of the Courts.