5 reasons you can't miss the equitable futures discussion
HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Hawaiʻi State Judiciary's Committee on Equality and Access to the Courts (CEAC) and the King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center are hosting a public program to address sustainable solutions for the future of Hawaiʻi's justice system.
This is part of a five-part series that is aimed at creating connections and collaborations across Hawaii's justice system.The discussions will explore ways to improve law, policy and institutional practices for better public awareness, safety and wellbeing.
Program 2 is titled Resources and Operations: Sustainable Solutions for the Future of Hawaiʻi's Justice System.
This panel will dive into how Hawaiʻi's justice departments can creatively find and maintain resources to improve public safety and wellbeing.
Panelists from legal, advocacy and oversight sectors will share experiences and ideas for overcoming political, financial and logistical barriers to reform.
The discussion will focus on making the justice system more efficient, sustainable and equitable.
Learn about justice reform in Hawaiʻi: Gain insight into the challenges and opportunities within Hawaiʻi's justice system, especially regarding resource allocation and sustainability. The discussion will provide valuable information on how the system can evolve to serve the community better.
Engage with experts and thought leaders: The panel features professionals like Salmah Y. Rizvi, Executive Director of the ACLU of Hawaiʻi, and Steve Alm, Prosecuting Attorney for Honolulu. They'll share their expertise on civil rights, legal advocacy and innovative approaches to reform.
Discover innovative solutions: The program will explore creative solutions to resource challenges within the justice system, such as trauma-informed care and new programs designed to reduce incarceration and improve outcomes for at-risk youth.
Build connections and collaborations: This event is an opportunity to connect with stakeholders across Hawaiʻi's justice system. Whether you're a student, advocate or professional, you'll have the chance to network and collaborate on ideas for creating a more equitable system.
Contribute to positive change: By attending, you'll be part of a larger movement working toward lasting change. You'll gain knowledge on how to support reforms that can impact the future of Hawaiʻi's justice system and the wellbeing of its residents.
Equitable and Sustainable Futures Speaker Series is taking place on Thursday, Feb. 20 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Aliʻiōlani Hale in the Supreme Court at 417 S King Street.
You can click to learn more and to RSVP.
Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8
This is a chance to be part of an important conversation and learn from experts dedicated to creating a more just, equitable future.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Yahoo
‘Duke's Law' one step closer to reality in win against agricultural land crime
HONOLULU (KHON2) — A bill named after a West Oahu man who was shot and killed on his farm is one step closer to becoming law. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 Cranston Duke Pia, a 39-year-old Makaha farmer, was shot and killed by a trespasser on his ranch in February 2024. His death galvanized lawmakers to take action and Sen. Tim Richards, III spoke to Cranston's mother in the months that followed. Hawaii 'Stand your ground' laws could expand after killing 'She was stoic but resolved and said, 'Please don't let this be for nothing.' So, I gave her my word. I said, 'I won't let this go,'' Richards said. That promise materialized into Duke's Law, which passed through conference committee on April 26. The bill increases penalties for crimes committed on agricultural lands and creates a pilot program within the State Department of Law Enforcement with funds for drone tech, license plate recognition cameras and new positions. 'Two full-time state law enforcement investigator positions and six uniform state law enforcement officer positions for patrol on Oahu and Hawaii Island,' said Hawaii Farm Bureau Executive Director Brian Miyamoto. 'Again, we've got now, law enforcement bodies dedicated to agriculture.'Duke's Law also targets repeat offenders by introducing harsher consequences. 'There's a definition in there for habitual agricultural crimes and this ramps up those for the second offense, third offense and the the penalties go up severely and very quickly and it mandates jail time, not allowing the courts to have latitude on that,' Richards said. Waianae Senator Samantha DeCorte said emotions ran high after the bill cleared conference, especially for Duke's loved ones. 'We were both crying. And the first thing that we both said is, 'God is good.' And we are just so thankful that Cranston's life was not left in vain. But this will be promoted and elevated into a way that will keep us safer in the future,' DeCorte said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Yahoo
House Reps., Native Hawaiians prepare for battle over midwifery
HONOLULU (KHON2) — A joint report submitted on Tuesday, April 8, to the United Nations is raising alarms about a proposed bill, HB1194, which could impose strict regulations on midwifery in Hawaiʻi. Laulani Teale, a Native Hawaiian cultural practitioner and midwife, has voiced strong opposition to the bill, which has already passed both the House of Representatives and the Hawaiʻi Senate and is awaiting a final vote. Teale emphasized that that the bill threatens the rights of Native Hawaiian families to choose culturally appropriate birth care. 'Our people are asking for the freedom to choose who attends them in their sacred space of birth,' Teale said. 'They are NOT asking for regulation. They simply want the right to decide who touches their bodies.' HB1194, which seeks to regulate midwifery practice, has sparked a backlash from homebirth parents, cultural practitioners and reproductive rights advocates. 'The people whose bodies are in question are speaking out,' Teale pointed out. 'Medical professionals are important; but they should not control the choices of birthing people, especially Indigenous people.'The submission to the United Nations highlights the broader issue of systemic discrimination against Indigenous birthing practices and the knowledge holders who preserve them. 'I don't think people really understand how important midwifery is here in Hawaiʻi,' said Representative Amy Perruso, District 46. 'We have rural areas where doctors and nurses are few and far between, and midwives are providing an essential service. This is not just about a profession; it's about a woman's right to choose how and where she gives birth.' Teale insisted that no one should have the right to interfere with the choice of who supports a person during labor. 'This is a major violation of human rights,' she said. As HB1194 moves toward its final vote, Teale urged lawmakers to consider the voices of Indigenous families and vote against the bill. 'People deserve 100% of decisions about their own bodies, and those choices should not be interfered with by anyone,' she stated firmly. 'I'm still baffled by the response. It doesn't make sense,' said Representative Elle Cochran, District 14. 'It became an issue of power and politics. But at the end of the day, it's about women's rights and the need for access to healthcare services.' You can click to read the bill. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 has reached out for comments from Hawaiʻi State Representatives Linda Ichiyama and Lisa Marten, who are in support of HB1194. We have not heard back but will update with any statements provided. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Yahoo
6 things to know about Hawaiʻi's tilt toward gambling
HONOLULU (KHON2) — The New Aloha Stadium project is moving forward after a state senate subcommittee passed two resolutions that may have an impact on its development. Governor Josh Green, M.D. told the KHON2 morning show that 'it's not quite ready for prime time. As you see, the legislature is being cautious; and that's smart. But it was interesting to see. We got a survey or poll of people, and about two out of three in our state wanted to do gaming as long as the monies went to an important set of projects, mostly housing.' Two resolutions passed by the state senate. One resolution urges the Stadium Authority to finalize a construction contract that will develop the Aloha Stadium Entertainment District (ASED). The other resolution proposes creating a state-led 'Gaming Working Group' to study the potential legalization of gambling in Hawaiʻi. Governor Josh Green said that he is remaining neutral on the gambling issue but acknowledged that it may have potential to generate revenue for important state projects. He also confirmed that contracts with Aloha Halawa District Partners must be finalized by argue that legalized gambling may have the potential to help address funding gaps for the project. With a recent poll showing that nearly 70% of Hawaiʻi residents support the stadium project, many in the community favor gambling if funds go toward housing projects. The state has $400 million set aside for demolishing the old stadium but aims to secure $800 million total through additional private investments. Officials describe the timeline as 'ambitious but achievable'; however, the construction contract must be signed by June of this year in order to retain state funding. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 The new stadium is planned to open in time for the 2028 University of Hawaiʻi football season. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.