Approximately 300 students, who attended a Hawaii Supreme Court proceeding in Hilo on Dec. 3, were given an opportunity to participate in a question-and-answer session with Hawaii Supreme Court justices. Pictured are (left to right): Associate Justices Sabrina McKenna and Paula Nakayama; Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald; Associate Justices Simeon Acoba, Jr. and Richard Pollack.

On December 3, the Hawaii Supreme Court heard oral arguments at the UH Hilo Performing Arts Center before an audience of approximately 300 students from UH Hilo, Connections New Century Public Charter School, Hawaii Academy of Arts & Science, Hilo High School, Laupahoehoe High, Waiakea High School, Keaau High School and St. Joseph School, as well as members of the public.

It is believed to be the first time that the Hawaii Supreme Court convened on the Big Island to hear a case. It was part of the Judiciary’s Courts in the Community outreach program, which helps educate students and the general public about the Judiciary’s role in government and its function in resolving disputes in a democratic society.

The court heard oral arguments in Collins v. Wassel. The oral argument was followed by two separate question-and-answer sessions for the students; one with the attorneys and another with the five justices.

“Our hope is that we can help give our younger generation a window into the role and processes of the state Judiciary,” said Chief Justice Recktenwald. “We wanted to give students an opportunity to go beyond the textbooks and experience a Supreme Court oral argument in person. We thank all the teachers for their time, commitment, and partnership in making this possible.”

To prepare for the oral argument, the participating juniors and seniors from each high school studied a curriculum developed by the Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center and the Students for Public Outreach and Civic Education of the University of Hawaii’s William S. Richardson School of Law. The students’ study was followed by a moot court activity facilitated by members of the Hawaii County Bar Association.

The Hawaii State Bar Association generously provided the students with lunches and transportation to and from UH Hilo.