Hawaii extends limited access to state courthouses

HONOLULU — The chief justice of Hawaii Supreme Court has extended an order which limits access to state courthouses to official business through the end of the year but allowing the chief judges of circuits to set rules for courtrooms within that jurisdiction.

The state judiciary began postponing matters if necessary and moving proceedings online when possible after Democratic Gov. David Ige declared a state of emergency in March in response the pandemic.

Judiciary operations have been modified to accommodate coronavirus regulations and allow more matters to proceed, officials said. The chief judges of each circuit will implement their own plans to resume operations, including the resumption of jury trials as long as facial coverings are used, social distancing is implemented and countywide orders are taken into account.

Studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick. For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some — especially older adults and people with existing health problems — it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.