| Jury Pool Information | Jury Pool Home |
| Frequently Asked Questions and Answers | |
| Q1. | Why do I
have to serve? |
| A1. | The Constitution of and the
State of Hawai`i gives defendants and litigants in certain cases the right
to a trial by jury. The jury must be present and hear evidence, and it also
must be impartial. Impartial means that the jurors must not have already
made up their minds about the outcome of the case. Hawai`i law states that all persons selected for jury service be randomly selected from a fair cross section of the population of the area served by the court. Under the law, all qualified citizens have the opportunity and obligation to serve when summoned. TOP |
| Q2. | How are people chosen for
jury service? |
| A2. | Each year, the Hawai`i State Judiciary obtains
names from Voter Registration, Driver's License, and State Income Tax lists.
Individuals are randomly selected to receive questionnaires. Questionnaires must be
completed and returned to the court for review and qualification (Hawai`i Revised
Statutes, Section 612). The court may summon individuals who qualify
for service. TOP |
| Q3. | What are the
requirements for jury service? |
| A3. | By law, jurors must meet certain requirements
(Hawai'i Revised Statutes, Section 612-4). You must be:
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| Q4. | How many people does the
court summon? |
| A4. | On O`ahu, about 700 jurors are summoned each week, or nearly 36,000 jurors a year.
On the Big Island, about 300 jurors are summoned each week, or nearly 10,000 jurors a year. TOP |
| Q5. | How am I summoned
to serve? |
| A5. | On O’ahu, you will receive your summons by mail 3 to 4 weeks before your court date and will be notified of the location. Jurors need to call the jury code-a-phone or check the Judiciary's web site the evening before their scheduled date to find out the time they need to report. TOP
On the Big Island, you will receive your summons by mail 3 to 4 weeks before your court date and will be notified of the location. Jurors need to call the Jury Information Line or check the Judiciary's web site the evening before their scheduled date to find out the time they need to report. TOP
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| Q6. | What if I can't
report on the date of my summons? |
| A6. | On O’ahu, you are allowed a one-time deferment. Put your request in writing or call the Jury Pool Office at 539-4360.
On the Big Island, you are to put your request in writing to the respective judge. TOP |
| Q7. | Who can be excused from
jury service? |
| A7. | By law, jurors must meet certain requirements
(Hawai`i Revised Statutes, Section 612-4). You must be a United States citizen;
a resident of the State and of the circuit; over age 18; able to read, speak,
and understand the English language; have not been convicted of a felony in the
State or Federal Court; and not pardoned. You are disqualified to serve as a
juror if you cannot satisfactorily serve on a jury due to a physical or mental
disability. To claim this disqualification, you may have to submit a physician's
certificate. In addition, you can ask to be exempt from jury service if you are a practicing physician, dentist, licensed minister or priest, attorney, U.S., state or county judge, elected official, head of an executive department, active police officer or firefighter, or active-duty military. You also may be exempt if you served as a juror with the State or Federal Court within the past year. Finally, if jury service will cause a serious personal hardship, the court may excuse you. (Hawai`i Revised Statutes, Section 612-6.) TOP |
| Q8. | May I submit my request
to be excused from jury service via this Web site? |
| A8. | On O’ahu, not at the present time. We hope to provide this service in the near future. The jury pool office will assist with your request providing it is within the categories mentioned on your summons. Please submit your request in writing along with the necessary documents to the Jury Pool Office, First Judicial Circuit, 777 Punchbowl Street, Honolulu HI 96813. After reviewing your request, we will notify you in writing of the court's decision.
On the Big Island, please submit your request in writing along with the necessary document to the respective judge. TOP |
| Q9. | I've been summoned to
appear for jury service but I do not fully understand the English language.
May I be excused? |
| A9. | If you do not fully understand the English
language, you must still appear in person on the date you are summoned and
request to be excused by the court. A family member or friend who can speak
English may accompany you to provide
assistance. TOP |
| Q10. | Does the court provide
parking for jurors? |
| A10. | On O’ahu, if you are driving to the First Circuit Court (777 Punchbowl St.), you may park in the South Street Garage at the corner of South and Pohukaina Streets, or in the Makai Garage at the corner of Punchbowl and Halekauwila Streets. The court will validate your ticket from either lot. Jurors may also park in metered stalls near the courthouse. Do not feed the meters. If you receive a citation for illegal parking, turn in your citation to the bailiff.
Recommended parking for District Court (1111 Alakea St.) is either the South Street Garage at the corner of South and Pohukaina Streets, or the Makai Garage at the corner of Punchbowl and Halekauwila Streets. Parking is also available in the municipal lots. Be sure to obtain a receipt from the parking lot attendant and submit the receipt to the court for a refund. The average cost of parking in municipal lots is about $20. Jurors may also park in metered stalls near the courthouse. Do not feed the meters. If you receive a citation for illegal parking, turn in your citation to the bailiff. The courts will process citations for metered parking. Be sure to check for restrictions such as tow away and no parking zones. The court will not be held responsible for anyone who violates such parking restrictions. More information about parking is provided on the summons and during your orientation. On the Big Island, a map will be provided along with the summons by the respective divisions. TOP |
| Q11. | Is there a jury
orientation? |
| A11. | On O’ahu, the first day you report, you will participate in an orientation in either the Jury Lounge at 777 Punchbowl Street or at the District Court on the third floor of 1111 Alakea Street in classroom C or in Courtroom A at 45-939 Po’okela Street. The orientation will include a 20-minute informational video, information on how to fill out payment cards, parking, and other matters.
On the Big Island, you will be registered in the Grand Jury Room and given information on how to fill out payment cards, parking and other matters. TOP |
| Q12. | How should I dress
for court? |
| A12. | The courts do not have strict dress codes
but encourage you to dress appropriately: no shorts, slippers, or
tank tops. Many courtrooms are cold so you may wish to bring a light jacket
or sweater. Although the courtrooms are cold, the common areas (hallways and atrium)
are not air-conditioned. TOP |
| Q13. | What should I do
if I need special accommodations? |
| A13. | If you need special accommodations, such
as sight interpreter, hearing amplification, or special seating, please
contact the Jury Pool Office at 539-4360 and let a staff member know what
type of assistance you will need. If you cannot be reasonably accommodated,
you may ask to be excused by providing copies of documents verifying
your condition. TOP |
| Q14. | How long is a juror's
term of service? |
| A14. | A juror's term of service is one day or
one trial. You must report on your assigned day and if selected, you
will serve for the duration of the trial. If you are not selected, you
will be excused at the end of the selection process. In some cases,
the jury selection may take more than one day. A citizen is eligible for
jury service once every two years if randomly
selected. TOP |
| Q15. | What is the average
length of a trial? |
| A15. | Many trials last about 3 to 4 days.
Some may be longer, depending on the type of trial. The judge will
tell you how long the trial is expected
to last. TOP |
| Q16. | Why do I have to
wait around so much as a juror? |
| A16. | The judge and court staff work hard to reduce
the time you spend waiting as a juror. However, waiting time cannot be
completely eliminated. A trial is very important to the people involved
and it is also important that things happen correctly. The law is also
complex and many steps have to happen before, during, and after the trial.
Please try to be patient and come prepared with a book or other reading
material to occupy your time while waiting. When possible, court staff
will try to provide a reason for the delay. Be assured that everyone works
to avoid delays. TOP |
| Q17. | How long is the
jury day? |
| A17. | On O’ahu, the court's normal hours are from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Some trials may start at 1:00 p.m. Prospective jurors should make arrangements to remain the entire day. Again, you may wish to bring reading materials for when you are waiting.
On the Big Island:
Division 1: Generally, trial is held on Mondays through Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.; there is no trial on Fridays. Division 2: Generally, trial is held on Mondays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. and Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.; no trials on Fridays. Division 3: Generally, trial is held on Tuesdays through Fridays, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; no trials on Mondays. Division 4: Same as Division 3. TOP |
| Q18. | Can I take notes
during the trial? |
| A18. | With the parties' approval, a
judge may allow jurors to take notes, especially if the case
is very lengthy. TOP |
| Q19. | Does the court
provide a jury lounge? |
| A19. | There is a jury lounge provided
only at the First Circuit Court, 777 Punchbowl Street. The jury
lounge is an air-conditioned room that accommodates up to 180 jurors.
Complimentary coffee and tea are provided. Additionally, a microwave
oven, refrigerator, water fountain, television set, telephones, and
restrooms are located in the jury lounge. TOP |
| Q20. | Will the court pay
for my meal? |
| A20. | The court will provide you with a free lunch only
when you are in deliberation. Court staff will deliver the lunch to jurors in
the deliberation room. Jurors who are not in deliberation are usually on
recess for lunch from 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m., and may choose to buy lunch from
one of the many restaurants and lunch wagons located within a short walking distance
from the courts. Jurors may also bring their lunch from home and use the jury
lounge at the First Circuit Court. TOP |
| Q21. | Does the court
provide childcare? |
| A21. | Unfortunately, the courts do not
provide childcare. If you are a mom or dad caring for young children
at home, you may write to the court requesting to be excused. You may
also request a delay in jury service if you find that a later time
is more convenient. It may be preferable to make arrangements to
have someone watch your children while you
serve as a juror. TOP |
| Q22. | Does the court
put jurors in seclusion? |
| A22. | Generally, the courts do not isolate
jurors. Typically, if a trial continues, you will be excused at the end
of the day and told to return the following
day. TOP |
| Q23. | How much and when
do I get paid? |
| A23. | You will receive $30 for each day
of jury service plus round-trip mileage at 33 cents per mile from
your home to the courts. If you ask to be excused from jury duty
and the judge grants your request, you will only be entitled to
mileage reimbursement. TOP |
| Q24. | Is my jury pay
taxable? |
| A24. | If you receive the jury fee as
extra income, you must declare the fee when filing your state and
federal income tax returns. The courts will provide you with a
1099 Miscellaneous Income form if you receive more than $600 in jury fees.
If you have further questions about your payment, please call
the Jury Pool Office at 539-4360. TOP |
| Q25. | When should I let
my employer know I have jury duty? |
| A25. | As a courtesy, we suggest you inform
your employer as soon as you receive your
summons. TOP |
| Q26. | Is my employer
required to pay me while I'm on jury duty? |
| A26. | There is no Hawai`i law that
requires employers to pay employees while serving jury duty.
Some employers do pay normal salaries to employees serving on
a jury. You will need to check with your employer. Also, individuals
who belong to labor unions may be covered through their union
contracts. TOP |
| Q27. | Can I be fired
if I don't show up for work? |
| A27. | Hawai`i Revised Statutes Section 612-5,
subsection (a) covers the protection of jurors' employment: "An
employer shall not deprive an employee of the employee's employment,
or threaten or otherwise coerce the employee with respect thereto,
because the employee receives a summons, responds thereto, serves
as a juror, or attends court for prospective jury service." Any employer who violates the law is guilty of a petty misdemeanor. If an employer discharges an employee in violation of subsection (a), the employee, within 90 days from the date of discharge, may request civil action to recover lost wages as a result of the violation and request an order to require job reinstatement. The recovered amount cannot exceed six weeks of lost wages. If the employee prevails, he/she may be allowed a reasonable attorney's fee fixed by the court. TOP |
| Q28. | Do I get a
verification of jury service for my employer? |
| A28. | The jury clerk or law clerk of the
trial can provide you with a note to certify that you served
as a juror. TOP |
| Q29. | Who do I
call if an emergency develops and I cannot return for jury
service? |
| A29. | On O’ahu, you should call the court in which you are assigned as soon as possible. Call the Jury Pool Office at 539-4360 to obtain the telephone number of the court you are assigned to.
On the Big Island, you should call the court in which you are assigned as soon as possible. Division 1: 961-7463 Division 2: 961-7453 Division 3: 443-2208 Division 4: 322-8733 TOP |
| Q30. | Is my privacy
protected during and after the trial? |
| A30. | The trial judge will consider your
concerns about privacy when making decisions about the case. The
judge must balance the requirement in the federal Constitution
that guarantees people a public and speedy trial with jurors'
concerns about privacy. If you have concerns about privacy,
please let the judge know. If a newspaper or television reporter,
or a lawyer or a friend of one of the people involved in the
case approaches you during the trial, let the judge know immediately.
Such contact is inappropriate during the trial. After the trial
is over, the media and the parties in the case may contact you,
but you do not have to talk to them. Let the judge in your case
know if you feel harassed. TOP |
| Q31. | What happens
after the verdict? |
| A31. | Once the clerk reads the verdict in court,
the jury may be polled. Jurors are thanked by the judge for their service
and may go home. Some jurors find it helpful to give the judge and attorneys feedback about the trial. Some jurors also ask fellow jurors for their phone numbers in order to discuss aspects of the case with those who shared the same experience. If you do not want to be contacted after the trial, let the judge know. After long or stressful trials, some jurors may feel disoriented and may need to talk to a professional about feelings the trial may have brought up. The National Center for State Courts (NCSC) publishes a manual Through the Eyes of the Juror: A Manual for Addressing Juror Stress. NCSC can be contacted at 800-877-1233. TOP |
| Q32. | What is the function
of the Jury Pool Office and where is it located? |
| A32. | The Jury Pool Office, a division of
the State Judiciary's First Circuit Court, oversees the jury qualification
selection process and provides qualified jurors for court cases.
The office is located in Kaahumanu Hale (First Circuit Court) on the
first floor in Room 1060.TOP
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| Q33. | What if I am called
as a grand juror? |
| A33. | The grand jury is different from
the petit jury. The terms and purpose of service are different
(Hawai`i Revised Statutes, Section 612-16). People called for
grand jury duty should contact the local court that has summoned
them if they have questions. TOP |
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