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The recently opened Keahuolu Courthouse in West Hawaii was formally blessed and the artwork dedicatedTuesday morning(Oct 1) under sunny Kona skies before 300 people.

The courthouse, which opened to the public on September 3, replaced courthouses previously located in three separate buildings. The name Keahuolu honors the ahupuaa in which it is located.

Third Circuit Chief Judge Greg K. Nakamura was the emcee for the event that featured remarks by Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald, Gov. David Y. Ige, Hawaii Island legislators Rep. Nicole E. Lowen, and Sen. Dru Mamo Kanuha, Third Circuit Chief Judge Ronald Ibarra (ret.), and Jonathan Johnson, executive director of the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts.

Todays celebration represents a significant milestone for West Hawaii. This building will provide a safe, secure, and modern place where people can come together to obtain justice, said Chief Justice Recktenwald. It has been a long time coming, but it has been worth the wait. I have been told that discussions about the need for a courthouse for Kona have been underway in one form or another for more than 30 years. Thanks to everyones hard work and commitment, I am proud to say this project was completed on time and on budget, he added.

The Chief Justice thanked retired Chief Judge Ibarra, current Chief Judge Nakamura, Lester Oshiro, Dawn West, Cheryl Salmo, Lani Ng, the entire Third Circuit team, Rod Maile, and Joanne Krippaehne.

He also expressed deep appreciation to Gov. David Ige and Lt. Gov. Josh Green; the Hawaii Island legislative delegation; Senate and House leadership and the Ways and Means and Finance committees; Department of Accounting and General Services; Hawaii County Council; Rider Levette Bucknall; AHL; Nan, Inc.; and SSFM.

The West Hawaii Bar Association, Hawaii County Bar Association, and the Hawaii State Bar Association were also recognized for their unwavering support as the Judiciary sought funding for the courthouse.

The days of holding court in the old hospital or the old farm and garden shop remain fond memories, but it is time to move forward, the Chief Justice said. Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make this new Keahuolu Courthouse a reality, we will be able to provide justice to this community for years to come in a place we can all rightfully be proud of.

Jonathan Johnson introduced artists, Matthew Salenger and Jerry Vasconcellos. According to the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, Salengers sculpture, Creating Kamaaina, explores our connection to place. Vasconcellos sculpture, Hoo Pohaku, was created using stone from the courthouse construction site. It is an affirmation to stand firm in the light of our truths, according to the foundation. These works of art were produced as part of the states Art in Public Places Program, which was established to enhance the environmental quality of public buildings and spaces.

Guests were entertained by Kaulana Na Pua O Liliuokalani under the direction of Kumu Hula Bernadette Pelena Keeling.

Just before Kahu Danny Akaka, Jr. and his daughter, Kalei, performed the blessing ceremonies, Chief Justice Recktenwald made a surprise presentation to recently retired Chief Judge Ibarra, naming the Self-Help Center in his honor. Judge Ibarra was a tireless advocate for those who needed help with civil matters, but could not afford an attorney. He was pivotal in launching the original Kona Self-Help Desk in 2013. The plaques read, in part, Under Chief Judge Ibarras vision and leadership, the Third Circuit significantly expanded access to justice for all. This Self-Help Center is named in his honor.

The 140,000-square-foot Keahuolu Courthouse sits on 10 acres of land. It has five courtrooms, as well as rooms for grand jurors and regular jurors; Drivers Education Office; Juvenile and Adult Client Services; Sheriffs operations; and administrative offices. There are 292 parking stalls for court visitors. The facility cost $95.8 million for construction, furniture, fixtures, and equipment. AHL was the architect and Nan Inc. the general contractor.

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Blessing and art dedication at Keahuolu Courthouse - Hawaii 24/7