KEALAKEKUA — A group of Kohala Middle School eighth graders had the chance recently to talk with Chief Circuit Judge Ronald Ibarra, District Court Judge Margaret Masunaga and court staff about how courts operate.
KEALAKEKUA — A group of Kohala Middle School eighth graders had the chance recently to talk with Chief Circuit Judge Ronald Ibarra, District Court Judge Margaret Masunaga and court staff about how courts operate.
They had prepared by going through simulated cases at school, learning the roles of everyone involved, their rights and other matters.
Ibarra said that, when he was a student at Konawaena High School, he thought that becoming a judge was only possible for people going to private school.
“If I could be a judge, you could be a judge,” he said.
That seemed a major decision.
“Who wants to be a judge,” asked Ibarra, looking at the group crowded into the viewing gallery.
“Nobody?” he asked.
Mitchell Canniff said he would and, when asked, explained why.
“I want to see if I can help people,” the student said.
He talked about the path to a judgeship, including years of school and years in private practice before asking if the students had questions for him.
“Do you get paid good money?” asked Javan Perez.
“I think we get paid well at $200,000 a year,” Ibarra said, drawing gasps from the students.
He pointed out that there hasn’t been a raise in 10 years and it’s possible to make more in private practice. But there are other perks of the job.
“The work is challenging and interesting,” he said.