More Appellate Practice news More news in Hawaii Find Appellate Practice lawyers in Hawaii
In a groundbreaking move for the Hawaii appellate practice, the Hawaii Supreme Court announced on July 22, 2025, that it will now allow virtual oral arguments in all appellate cases. This historic decision comes after years of debate and consideration, and marks a significant shift in the way appeals are handled in the state.The decision to allow virtual oral arguments in appellate cases comes as a response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which forced courts across the country to adapt to new ways of operating. The use of virtual technology became increasingly important in maintaining access to justice and ensuring the timely resolution of cases.Chief Justice Mark Nakamura, who spearheaded the change, explained that the decision to allow virtual oral arguments was made in order to increase efficiency and accessibility in the appellate process. By allowing attorneys to present their arguments remotely, the court hopes to reduce the time and cost associated with in-person arguments, as well as increase the flexibility for all parties involved.The new rule will apply to all appellate cases, including civil, criminal, and administrative appeals. Attorneys will now have the option to request a virtual oral argument in their cases, and judges will have the discretion to grant or deny these requests based on the circumstances of each case.The announcement has been met with mixed reactions from legal professionals in the state. Some attorneys have welcomed the change, citing the convenience and cost-saving benefits of virtual oral arguments. Others, however, have expressed concerns about the potential drawbacks, such as technical issues and the loss of in-person advocacy.Despite the differing opinions, the Hawaii Supreme Court is confident that the decision to allow virtual oral arguments will ultimately improve the appellate process in the state. Chief Justice Nakamura emphasized the court's commitment to ensuring access to justice for all parties involved, and expressed optimism about the potential impact of the new rule.As Hawaii enters a new era of appellate practice, the legal community will be closely watching to see how the use of virtual technology will shape the future of appeals in the state. With this historic change, the Hawaii Supreme Court hopes to set a precedent for other courts across the country to follow suit and embrace the benefits of virtual oral arguments.