Trending
A trial initially set for Sept. 26 on a climate lawsuit filed against the state by 14 youth has been postponed, attorneys for the youth said Thursday.
Judge Jeffrey Crabtree granted the state's motion to postpone the trial date, saying that due to delays that have already occurred in the case, he wanted to give the state enough time to prepare their defense to ensure both sides have a fair trial. Crabtree plans to meet with attorneys representing both parties on June 2 to discuss in greater detail how long the trial will be and whether he can accommodate it on his calendar before his state-mandated retirement in February 2024, according to a news release from Earthjustice and Our Children's Trust.
Attorneys for the 14 youth are asking to keep the trial date on the calendar in 2023, citing the urgency of the case. The 14 youth, including three from Maui County, filed the lawsuit in June of last year, saying that the state's transportation system and resulting greenhouse gas pollution are violating their constitutional rights and impacting their ability to live healthy lives.
The state has said it is continuing to pursue its climate goals, which include achieving 100 percent renewable energy by 2045.