Kamehameha Scholars visit Aliʻiolani Hale and meet Justice Sabrina McKenna

On December 28, 2017, Ka Huli Ao facilitated a student outreach program at the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court for a cohort of high school students who are participating in the Kamehameha Scholars program. The mission of the Kamehameha Scholars program is to “support Native Hawaiian students in achieving a higher education degree, entering the career of their choosing, and cultivating their ability to be servant leaders. The program is a supplementary educational enrichment program with a focus on college and career guidance.” The hope is to provide opportunities for students to discover and assess their skills, interests, and values. In this way, students may better explore career options and develop plans for the future.

In keeping with this endeavor, Ka Huli Ao envisioned this excursion as an opportunity for students to experience the courtroom—to stand in the same place where former Hawaiian judges, attorneys, jurors, witnesses, and spectators gathered. Students had the unique opportunity to hear inspirational remarks from Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Justice Sabrina McKenna, who encouraged students to seek justice for all.  Students took a short tour of Aliʻiolani Hale and the Hawaiʻi Judiciary History Center with Ahukini Fuertes, Education Specialist with the Judiciary History Center. Ahukini also taught students about the three branches of government, the specific responsibility of the judicial branch, and the various roles and jobs within a courtroom. Students then had the opportunity to participate in a mock trial, Māui v. Kalā.  Students played various roles in this mock trial, such as the plaintiff, defendant, bailiff, lawyers, and witnesses.