Chief Justice Moon says judiciary cuts are ‘devastating’

Hawaii Chief Justice Ronald Moon in his final State of the Judiciary address on Jan. 27 said the court system cannot make further budget cuts without sacrificing public safety and access to justice. By law, Moon will retire when he turns 70 this September.

“The Judiciary is already at the stage where lack of resources is affecting public safety and the administration of justice,” Moon said. “Program budget cuts, court closures due to furloughs, prior staff reductions, and hiring freezes have already affected employee workloads and increased the amount of time it takes to process cases and do the work that is necessary to the administration of justice.”

Last year, the courts cut 79 vacant positions and saw its operating expenses reduced and, for the first time ever, a pay cut for judges, saving the state $11.5 million. In November, the Judiciary started furloughs, closing all courts for two Fridays a month, which is estimated to save $12.4 million if continued into fiscal 2011.

“We are hopeful that the measures we have taken thus far, including the furlough plan, not only demonstrate that we are partners with you in this crisis, but convince you that the Judiciary will not be able to withstand the devastating effects of any further cuts to its budget this session,” Moon told lawmakers at the State Capitol.

Drug court and family court are already struggling with higher volumes. In some cases, defendants are getting bumped into prison rather than in less-costly rehabilitation programs.

Moon’s speech also highlighted bright spots, such as steps the courts are taking in new technology and e-filing and opening a new family court and juvenile detention center in Kapolei this spring.