Welcome to the Hawaii Access to Justice Commission’s homepage.  The Commission’s primary purpose is to substantially increase access to justice in civil legal matters for low- and moderate-income residents of Hawaii.

“Equal access to justice should not be a mere illusion.  We should be energized to meet the challenge of such equality.

— Hawaii Supreme Court Associate Justice Simeon R. Acoba (ret.), former Chair, Hawaii Access to Justice Commission

“The pursuit of equal justice for all is truly a noble endeavor.”

— Associate Judge Daniel R. Foley, Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals, former Chair, Hawaii Access to Justice Commission

Hawaii Access to Justice Commission News

  • ONLINE VOLUNTEER COURT NAVIGATOR FOR LANA`I, MAUI, AND MOLOKA`I

    In 2018, an in-person Volunteer Court Navigator Program was established in the Second Circuit (Maui County).  Volunteer Court Navigators assist unrepresented persons at the Hoapili Hale Courthouse, Wailuku, Maui by answering questions concerning court resources, location, and procedures.  Volunteer Court Navigators cannot provide legal advice or representation.   The Second … [read more]

  • 2022 Hawai`i Access to Justice Conference

    2022 Hawai‘i Access to Justice Conference          On a warm summer day, over 240 people attended the thirteenth annual Hawai‘i Access to Justice Conference, held on Friday, June 17, 2022, at the William S. Richardson School of Law, University of Hawai‘i.   This year’s theme was “Continuing to Meet Challenges to … [read more]

  • 2021 Hawai`i Access to Justice Conference

    On Friday, June 25, 2021, the Hawai‘i Access to Justice Conference with the theme, “Access to Justice and the Time of COVID,” sponsored by the Hawai‘i Access to Justice Commission, attracted over 260 attendees. Opening remarks were provided by Hawai`i Supreme Court Justice Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald and Chair of … [read more]

  • 2020 PRO BONO CELEBRATION

              The eighth annual Pro Bono Celebration took place during National Pro Bono Celebration week in October 2020.  Due to health and safety concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic, instead of the usual “in-person” event, the Commission partnered with ThinkTech Hawaii to tape and livestream the Celebration.  In addition, during the … [read more]