Big Island grand jury impaneling to continue as scheduled

Impaneling of Hilo and Kona grand juries will continue as scheduled today in Hilo and Friday in Kona, despite Gov. David Ige signing Monday an emergency proclamation to temporarily suspend the statutory requirement for the annual initial impaneling of grand juries by Jan. 15.

Third Circuit Court Chief Judge Robert D.S. Kim said Wednesday the decision to continue impaneling grand juries is based on the Big Island’s COVID numbers and the space available at the courthouses. Prospective jurors have been summoned to appear on those dates.

“The proclamation by governor Ige, extending the time for the impaneling of grand jurors does not impact the Big Island,” said Kim. “Each chief judge has the authority to proceed if it is determined it is safe to do so. We have been closely monitoring the COVID rates each day, and have concluded that we can safely manage the grand jury impaneling.”

Kim said safety measures are in place in accordance with Department of Health protocols.

“The grand jury is an essential part of our court operations and we appreciate the cooperation of the public in honoring their summons,” he said.

The grand jury convenes once monthly and jurors serve for a period of one year.

Ige’s proclamation provided courts across Hawaii’s five circuits more time to safely enlist grand juries amid a surge in COVID-19 cases in the State of Hawaii.

Ige’s emergency proclamation in part reads “the impaneling of grand juries by State courts involves the congregation of large groups of potential jurors in indoor spaces, which must be carefully scheduled and coordinated to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission among potential jurors, attorneys, and court staff.”