THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2446
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO THE JUDICIARY.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. Section 602-51, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

"§602-51 How constituted. The intermediate appellate court shall consist of a chief judge and [six] seven associate judges. The chief judge, who shall be specifically selected, shall supervise the administrative duties of the court."

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $494,814 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to the judiciary for an additional intermediate appellate court associate judge, which shall be allocated as follows:

(1) $231,276 for the establishment of one permanent full‑time equivalent (1.0 FTE) intermediate appellate court associate judge position;

(2) $86,688 for the establishment of one permanent full‑time equivalent (1.0 FTE) judicial assistant position;

(3) $134,400 for the establishment of two permanent full‑time equivalent (2.0 FTE) law clerk positions; and

(4) $42,450 for equipment, books, and furniture for the new associate judge's chambers.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the judiciary for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Intermediate Court of Appeals; Membership; Appropriation

Description:

Increases the number of associate judges on the Intermediate Court of Appeals from six to seven. Appropriates funds.

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