Hawaii

Hawaii Supreme Court considers whether refusing sobriety tests is evidence of guilt

The Hawaii Supreme Court is considering whether refusing sobriety tests can be used as evidence that a driver knew they were intoxicated.

Jun 5, 2026 7:05 AM CDT

Chemerinsky: What to expect from SCOTUS in the coming month

As always, this time of year is filled with major decisions from the U.S. Supreme Court. Some of the most important cases of the term already have been decided, including Learning Resources Inc. v. Trump, which invalidated President Donald Trump’s tariffs; and Louisiana v. Callais, which significantly lessened protections under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. But many likely blockbuster decisions remain.

May 27, 2026 3:07 PM CDT

Supreme Court seems skeptical of Hawaii limits on carrying guns

The Supreme Court on Tuesday appeared skeptical of the constitutionality of a Hawaii law that sharply restricts where people can carry firearms—a case that may offer a strong indication of how far the justices will go in their push to loosen restrictions on guns.

Jan 20, 2026 1:25 PM CST

Texas attorney will pay fees for illegally soliciting Hawaii wildfire victims

A Texas attorney found to have illegally solicited victims of the 2023 Maui wildfires was sentenced to pay court fees, according to a report by Hawaii News Now.

Dec 11, 2025 12:36 PM CST

‘Vampire law’ and ‘vibe coding’ among top 2025 legal words

Have you ever heard of “vampire law” or “vibe coding?” If not, you’ll be able to learn all about them in Burton’s Legal Thesaurus, a specialized reference tool for lawyers and other legal professionals that was first published in 1980. They join other top new terms and phrases compiled this year by law professors and academics who are part of a committee tasked with updating the lexicon of law.

Dec 3, 2025 12:27 PM CST

Supreme Court will hear challenge to Hawaii gun law during new term

The Supreme Court on Friday said it would hear a challenge to Hawaii’s limits on where people can carry firearms, a case that could have significant implications for gun rights and restrictions across the country.

Oct 3, 2025 2:49 PM CDT

Hawaii welcomes out-of-state lawyers who want to work as public defenders, prosecutors without state licenses

Lawyers can work on criminal matters in Hawaii on behalf of government agencies without law licenses in the state as part of a two-year pilot program that begins Aug. 14.

Aug 4, 2025 12:55 PM CDT

Climate change suit alleging energy companies created public nuisance may proceed, top state court says

Two energy companies accused of contributing to climate change can be sued in state court, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled last week.

May 20, 2025 8:50 AM CDT

Climate change case that ‘ignited a movement’ ends with Supreme Court’s cert denial

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday refused to revive a climate change lawsuit filed on behalf of 21 youths who contended that the government is a trustee of the environment and has a duty to preserve it.

Mar 25, 2025 2:01 PM CDT

Multitalented lawyer turns passion for Hawaiian history into new film

By day, Lance Collins is a lawyer. By night, (and sometimes day) he’s also a filmmaker, book editor and music producer. Now, he can add another title to his eclectic resumé: screenwriter for a feature-length film now playing on a streaming service near you. “When it comes to my time,” Collins says, “every minute is accounted for.”

Sep 24, 2024 8:48 AM CDT

States can’t ban guns in banks, hospitals and churches, but property owners can, 9th Circuit says

A federal appeals court on Friday refused to allow two states to ban guns in some locations but limited the impact of its decision when it ruled that property owners can reject firearms.

Sep 12, 2024 9:23 AM CDT

10 temporary federal judgeships would become permanent under Senate bill approved on voice vote

The U.S. Senate on Saturday approved by voice vote a bipartisan bill that would make permanent 10 temporary federal district court judgeships.

Apr 23, 2024 9:36 AM CDT

‘Spirit of Aloha’ clashes with ‘federally mandated’ gun lifestyle, Hawaii Supreme Court says

The Hawaii Supreme Court has upheld state laws that generally ban carrying guns in public in an opinion that criticizes the U.S. Supreme Court’s historical approach to Second Amendment cases.

Feb 13, 2024 12:47 PM CST

Who made the National Judicial College’s list of ‘60 Courageous Judges’?

The National Judicial College marked its 60th anniversary this week by releasing a list of 60 judges from around the United States and the world who have demonstrated courage, upheld the rule of law and provided justice for all.

Dec 21, 2023 9:00 AM CST

2023 was a record year for Disaster Legal Services program

It’s been a busy 12 months for the ABA Young Lawyers Division’s Disaster Legal Services program. According to Amanda Brown, the director of the program, Disaster Legal Services helped survivors navigate the aftermath of a record 23 federally declared natural disasters in 2023.

Dec 18, 2023 8:28 AM CST