HILO, Hawaiʻi – A group of 20 high school students from various schools on Hawaiʻi Island spent their fall break at the first Hilo Law & Justice Academy held at Hale Kaulike (Hilo courthouse). This three-day program was designed to educate students about civics and the legal system, culminating in a mock trial exercise.
Professor Troy Andrade of the William S. Richardson School of Law, who is also a member of the Commission to Promote and Advance Civic Education (PACE), stated, “We wanted to provide access to a unique opportunity for students from East Hawai’i to learn about our legal system and to see the pathway to civic engagement and a potential career in law.”
The academy aimed at developing skills in discussion, debate, analysis, and advocacy among students interested in justice, law, leadership, or careers in the legal field. Aubree K-Aloha, a 10th grader at Kamehameha Schools-Hawaiʻi said she enjoyed "being able to talk with various judges and attorneys to learn about their jobs."
The event was organized by PACE with contributions from local stakeholders including Third Circuit Court judges and staff, the William S. Richardson School of Law, Hawaiʻi County Bar Association, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo’s Pre-Law Certificate Program and Political Science Department along with its Kīpuka Native Hawaiian Student Center. The American Judicature Society also played a role.
Students received an overview of state and federal government functions as well as presentations on Hawaiʻi’s court system by state trial and appellate judges. They participated in sessions conducted by attorneys on courtroom advocacy techniques. The program included educational pathway discussions led by UH Hilo and Richardson Law School students.
Steven Uejio, one of the organizers said that all volunteer judges and attorneys were impressed by "the curiosity, intelligence, thoughtfulness, and potential" displayed by the participants. He added that they look forward to seeing what these students will achieve in future endeavors.
Maulihiwa Weissman from Ke Kula ʻo Nāwahīokalaniʻōpuʻu Iki Lab Public Charter School encouraged other students saying: “Get out of your comfort zone and join [the Academy]. Who knows? Maybe you will be a lawyer or judge when you are older.”
Volunteer attorney Sherilyn Tavares expressed her admiration for how much growth she witnessed during those three days: “They were eager to get feedback on work they had done as they prepared for their presentations.” She noted how some students even stayed up late thinking about their arguments because they did not want any important details left out.
Alongside Andrade and Uejio were Third Circuit Judge Darien Ching Nagata as well as Federal Magistrate Judge Wes Porter leading this initiative while key contributors included Hawai’i Supreme Court Justice Lisa M Ginoza; Intermediate Court Of Appeals Judge Sonja P McCullen; Judges Henry T Nakamoto; Peter K Kubota; Jeffrey W Ng; Kimberly B M Tsuchiya from State Judiciary.