Judiciary Looks to Fulfill Independent Grand Jury Counsel

Hilo courthouse. File photo.

The Circuit Court of the Third Circuit, Hawai’i, is seeking qualified applicants to make up the Independent Grand Jury Counsel.

Whenever a grand jury is impaneled, an independent counsel is appointed as provided by law, according to Article I, Section 11. The counsel’s role is to advise the members of the grand jury regarding matters brought before it.

The Chief Justice of the State Supreme Court appoints the independent grand jury counsel for the four judicial circuits of the state, in accordance with Hawai’i Revised Statutes 612-51 to 612-57. The Grand Jury Counsel is made up of those licensed to practice law in Hawai’i and who are not public employees.

Chief Judge Ronald Ibarra will receive the letters of interest for the one-year appointment.