The Kona Self-Help Center (SHC), located on the first floor of the Kona (Keahuolu) Courthouse, is set to reopen for in-person services on Jan. 24. The center provides basic legal guidance to individuals representing themselves in civil cases.
Due to the pandemic, the Kona SHC initially offered its legal aid services remotely. However, according to a statement on the Legal Aid Society of Hawai'i's website, it will now be open to the public. The Kona SHC is resuming its services on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month for those seeking in-person assistance. The statement also noted that remote assistance will continue to be available on the first and third Wednesdays of each month.
According to lawhelp.org, volunteer attorneys and AmeriCorps Advocates staff the SHCs. These attorneys do not offer legal advice but provide complimentary legal information. They may also assist visitors at the center in understanding the court process and completing court forms.
The Legal Aid Society of Hawai'i states that the Kona SHC operates on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., depending on the availability of a volunteer attorney to staff the SHC. No appointments are required.
As highlighted by Legal Aid Society of Hawai'i, a collaboration involving the Judiciary of the State of Hawaiʻi, West Hawaiʻi Bar Association/Hawaiʻi State Bar Association, and Legal Aid Society oversees operations at Kona SHC.