PHOTOS: Maui Judiciary Celebrates Opening of Self-Help Center

Second Judicial Circuit Judge Rhonda Loo (right) accepts a proclamation issued by Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa (middle) marking the grand opening of the judiciary’s Self Help Center on Maui. Hawai’i Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald (right) was among the dignitaries in attendance who spoke of the benefits the facility will provide for the general public. Photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

Community members on Maui who are unable to afford a lawyer will now have an opportunity to prepare their case with the assistance of a new Self-Help Center staffed by volunteer attorneys.

A grand opening celebration was held today on the ground floor of Hoapili Hale, Maui’s Wailuku Judiciary Building.

The project is a collaboration among the judiciary and Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald, the judges and administrators of the Second Circuit Court, the Legal Aid Society of Hawai’i, the Maui County Bar Association, the Hawai’i State Bar Association, and the attorneys of Maui County.

In a proclamation issued by Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa, he stated that by establishing the Self-Help Center, “a commitment has been made to provide meaningful access to justice for all in the County of Maui.”

Volunteers at the Self-Help Center will provide legal information to self represented litigants who are parties in civil cases, which includes explanations of what to expect in court, court rules and procedures, and applicable forms.  The service does not include legal advice or representation.

The SHC will be staffed by up to two volunteer attorneys on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. beginning on Thursday, Oct. 18.

Attorneys and members of the judiciary joined in the grand opening celebration of a Self Help Center for Maui litigants at Hoapili Hale in Wailuku. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Attorneys and members of the judiciary joined in the grand opening celebration of a Self Help Center for Maui litigants at Hoapili Hale in Wailuku. Photo by Wendy Osher.