The Maui News

Starting Saturday, the state Judiciary is rescinding statewide restrictions for the public and attorneys entering its facilities, including the requirement for attorney vaccination and testing.

Courts in Maui County and on Hawaii island and Kauai will no longer require health screening upon entry, and mask-wearing will be optional for employees and court users.

The changes are occurring as Gov. David Ige plans to lift pandemic-related restrictions Saturday.

“Given Governor Ige’s announcements easing COVID-19 restrictions, we are making adjustments to Judiciary operations, taking into consideration the circumstances and situations in each circuit as we continue to protect the health and safety of court users and Judiciary personnel,” Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald said in a news release Monday.

Appellate courts and facilities in the First Circuit on Oahu will continue with many COVID-19 precautions, including mask usage, according to the news release. “This approach reflects the higher positive case counts on Oahu, larger number of people in these facilities, the limited size of our courtrooms and common areas, and ventilation resources,” the release said.

The employee vaccination and testing program and post-travel restrictions also will be lifted effective Saturday.

Remote court hearings, which were prevalent during the last two years, will continue for certain types of cases at the discretion of the presiding judge, according to the news release.

Recktenwald said courts conducted over 360,000 hearings by Zoom in the last two years.

“This enabled the courts to continue to fulfill their responsibility to administer justice during the pandemic,” he said. “Attorneys, parties and other court users have appreciated the time-saving convenience of participating in their hearings by Zoom.

“We are mindful that the pandemic is not over and we will remain vigilant and prepared to shift course quickly should the situation change,” Recktenwald said. “While we sincerely hope the worst is truly behind us, we will use the lessons learned to better serve the people of Hawaii in the future.”