Unveiling Legal Corruption in Hawaii’s Courts: A Community Under Siege

The people of Hawaii, particularly in communities like Puna, are grappling with a troubling reality: a judicial system that appears to prioritize corporate and political interests over justice, transparency, and the public good. Allegations of legal corruption have surfaced, pointing to systemic issues within Hawaii’s courts, including unjustified rulings, procedural irregularities, lack of transparency, and a blatant disregard for public interest. Below, we explore these concerns with specific examples, shedding light on the challenges faced by the Puna community and others across the islands.

Hawaiis Environmental Laws

Unjustified Rulings: Ignoring Evidence and Precedent

One of the most alarming signs of legal corruption is the issuance of rulings that defy clear evidence or established legal precedent. In Hawaii’s Third Circuit Court, Judge Henry T. Nakamoto has been criticized for decisions that dismiss cases with substantial proof of harm, often labeling them as “no cause for concern.” A long list of these rulings follow him

For example, community members in Puna have presented documented evidence of environmental or health risks tied to certain projects, only to see their cases dismissed without adequate explanation. These rulings raise questions about whether judges are prioritizing external pressures over the facts, undermining the judiciary’s role as an impartial arbiter of justice. When courts ignore compelling evidence, it erodes public trust and leaves communities vulnerable to ongoing harm.

Procedural Irregularities: Delays and Denials That Harm Communities

Procedural irregularities further compound these concerns, particularly in the Intermediate Court of Appeals. The Puna community within the 2024 hawaii geothermal injunction has faced unexplained delays and denials of valid motions, such as requests to expedite cases that address urgent issues like environmental damage or public safety. For instance, the Intermediate Court recently denied Sara Steiner's motion to expedite the Injunction, despite evidence that delays are directly contributing to ongoing harm in Puna. These inconsistencies in applying legal standards suggest a lack of accountability and fairness, leaving communities feeling silenced and powerless. When valid motions are dismissed without clear justification, it raises suspicions of bias or external influence, further fueling distrust in the judicial process.

Lack of Transparency: Shutting Out the Public

Transparency is a cornerstone of a fair judicial system, yet Hawaii’s courts have been accused of obstructing public access to proceedings. Judge Nakamoto, for example, has reportedly denied the request by sara steiner on day one of the injunction which was held in 3rd circuit court, Hilo Hawaii , when the opening statements were about to begin and after a community memver alrrady had set uo the entire professional camera recorder in the courtroom . When judges deny said requests for media coverage in cases of significant public interest, it is directly limiting the community’s ability to stay informed. Sealing records or hiding evidence without clear justification further exacerbates this issue. In Puna, where residents are fighting for accountability in cases involving environmental and health risks, the lack of transparency feels like a deliberate attempt to shield powerful interests from scrutiny. Without open access to court proceedings, the public is left in the dark, unable to hold decision-makers accountable or verify the integrity of the process.

Disregard for Public Interest: Corporate and Political Priorities Over People

Perhaps the most egregious issue is the apparent prioritization of corporate and political interests over the health, safety, and rights of Hawaii’s communities. Across the state, courts have been accused of approving projects with documented risks—such as environmental degradation or threats to public health—while dismissing community concerns as insignificant. In Puna, judges have been presented with extensive evidence of “immense, irreversible harm,” yet rulings consistently downplay these risks, sweeping them under the rug. This pattern is not limited to the Third Circuit or Judge Nakamoto; it’s a statewide issue, with courts allegedly favoring powerful entities over the public good. For example, projects tied to corporate or political interests often proceed despite clear evidence of harm, leaving communities like Puna to bear the consequences.

The Puna Community’s Fight and a Call for Change

The Puna community stands at the forefront of this struggle, battling a judicial system that seems stacked against them. The denial of expedited motions by the Intermediate Court of Appeals, for instance, has prolonged cases critical to addressing immediate threats, directly causing further harm with each passing day in the Puna community in geothermal radius. Meanwhile, Judge Nakamoto’s refusal to allow video recording coverage and the broader trend of judges and courts dismissing evidence (aka in our case over a dozen declarations of community members with their lived experiences, volcano scientists, Lineage of Pele The volcano goddess etc ) as “no cause for concern” have left residents feeling betrayed by a system meant to protect them. These actions not only undermine justice but also threaten the cultural and environmental fabric of Hawaii.

This pattern of legal corruption—unjustified rulings, procedural irregularities, lack of transparency, and disregard for public interest—demands urgent reform. The Hawaii State Judiciary, as an independent branch responsible for administering justice impartially, must address these allegations head-on. Communities like Puna deserve a judicial system that prioritizes their rights and well-being over external pressures. To restore trust, the judiciary must commit to transparency, consistency, and accountability, ensuring that rulings align with evidence and legal precedent.- Jasmine Steiner KahuPuna

(https://www.courts.state.hi.us/)

Moving Forward: A Demand for Accountability

Hawaii’s residents, particularly in Puna, are calling for change. They demand open court proceedings, fair application of legal standards, and rulings that reflect the evidence rather than corporate or political agendas. The Hawaii State Ethics Commission has emphasized the need for public officials to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct, and this must extend to the judiciary. Community members are urged to stay vigilant, document injustices, and push for greater oversight, such as through the Judicial Selection Commission or public comments to the Judiciary Communications and Community Relations Office. https://www.civilbeat.org/2022/11/public-corruption-directly-undermines-faith-in-hawaiis-government)[](https://www.courts.state.hi.us/)

The fight against legal corruption in Hawaii’s courts is a fight for the soul of our communities. By shining a light on these issues—unjust rulings, procedural roadblocks, hidden proceedings, and the sidelining of public interest—we can demand a judiciary that serves the people, not the powerful. Let’s stand together to hold our courts accountable and protect the future of Hawaii.

Disclaimer: This blog and website are solely operated by Jasmine Steiner of KahuPuna. This article reflects my personal beliefs, opinions, and commentary on the critically important injunction and the 55-year geothermal struggle, which are completely hidden by mainstream media and all news outlets.

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