The proposed law, which awaits the governor’s signature, would also bar youth who have been trafficked or sexually abused from being charged as adults for crimes in which their abuser is the victim.

The cases raise questions about leniency shown to young arrestees and the effectiveness of ankle monitors.

The day is often overlooked, but some — including retired Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald — are making a push to reinvigorate the annual celebration of the U.S. Constitution and rule of law.

The vote was 20-5, with dissenting senators stating concerns over the nominee’s past political affiliation.

Chair Karl Rhoads voted no in the 3-2 vote. Vladimir Devens now awaits a final vote from the full Senate.

Besides his work for a powerful Hawaiʻi super PAC, lawmakers raised concerns about Vladimir Devens’ attendance at a controversial Honolulu cop’s retirement party.

The Senate is considering whether to confirm Vladimir Devens for the position of Supreme Court chief justice.

Former state Land Administrator Russell Tsuji claims he was accused of being a political mole and was assigned an impossible task in an effort to get rid of him.

A committee of stakeholders from across the criminal justice system is working to bring the state more in line with national trends on drug possession and probation.

Vladimir Devens, a former police officer and labor lawyer, has served as an associate justice of the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court for the past two years.