COVID-19 has impacted all aspects of our daily lives, even our court systems. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the situation in the First Circuit Family Court has been highly fluid. Here are the latest updates:
Family Court proceedings are conducted from the Kapolei Judiciary Complex and at the Honolulu District Courthouse by Cisco Webex or by telephone. Recently, the First Circuit Court of Hawai’i allowed that some proceedings, such as trials, extended hearings, and settlement conferences, may resume in person with approval of the court.
In the event of an in person-hearing, you will be required to follow all safety protocol such as entering the courthouse no more than 15 minutes before the hearing, wearing a mask, and submitting to a temperature check. You will also be subject to the state of Hawai’i’s quarantine and testing protocol following out of state travel.
Court filings must still be completed either in person at the Honolulu District Court on Alakea Street and Kapolei Judiciary (or other facilities identified by state judiciary) or by mail in ample time for the court to process the documents prior to the trial. Filing window and filing room hours are 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Regardless of your situation, Seth Harris, senior associate at the PMK family law division, can provide an experienced, compassionate counsel to guide you through any family court proceeding.
