Site G has been selected for the future Kona Judiciary Complex

MEDIA RELEASE

Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald has selected a site across the street from the West Hawaii Civic Center for the new judiciary complex in Kona.

The 10-acre Kealakehe parcel is owned by the state and is located at the intersection of Kealakehe Parkway and Ane Keohokalole Highway.

The Kona Judiciary Complex, which will be designed to accommodate seven full-time judges and 220 employees, will meet the anticipated needs of West Hawaii’s growing population through 2030 and beyond.

Preliminary plans call for the construction of a 142,000 square-foot facility to be completed in 2017. Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in 2014.

“A new courthouse in West Hawaii is badly needed,” Recktenwald said. “The Kealakehe site will allow the Judiciary to consolidate its operations in a modern facility that will best serve the people of West Hawaii. I appreciate the support provided by Big Island legislators, members of the bar, and the community. The Judiciary looks forward to working with these important stakeholders in proceeding with this project.”

The selection comes after an extensive environmental review of seven candidate sites, which was described in the December 2011 “Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS)” prepared by Group 70 International on behalf of the Department of Accounting and General Services.

West Hawaii Bar Association president Bob Kim said he was pleased to see the project finally taking shape.

“This effort to have a new courthouse built has taken over 25 years. We will continue to press the Legislature for funds to get this constructed in our lifetime,” he said. “Thank you to all the attorneys who served on committees, and supported the numerous efforts over the years, to secure a new courthouse. And a special thank you to former executive director of the HSBA Lynn Flanigan, who help us over the years.”

— For the complete Final Environmental Impact Statement, visit: http://oeqc.doh.hawaii.gov/Shared%20Documents/EA_and_EIS_Online_Library/Hawaii/2010s/2011-12-23-FEIS-Kona-Judiciary-Complex.pdf