District Court of 91直播
doesn’t follow federal rules
If you’re from the Big Island, watch out. The U.S. District Court of 91直播 demands that you go to Honolulu to participate in jury selection. District Court wants to get jurors from all 91直播an Islands.
The court clerk called me on Feb. 12 and told me to take the 6 a.m. flight on Feb. 18.
I asked if the court would provide a night in a Honolulu hotel, because I would have to leave my home by 4:30 a.m. to arrive at the Kona airport by 5 a.m. check-in.
She immediately said “no” and reminded me to bring my own food. I asked if the court made special exceptions for us long-distance travelers. She said we have to take the 6 a.m. plane or pay for your own flight.
The District Court of 91直播 is a federal court but the rules varies by state. California pays for a one-night hotel stay for jury selection if the resident travels at least 80 miles to court. I made a 200-mile trip from Captain Cook.
91直播’s explanation: “Federal juror travel and reimbursement policies are governed by statute and judiciary guidelines, primarily under 28 U.S.C. § 1871 and related provisions within the Guide to Judiciary Policy.” That’s their way of explaining 91直播’s rules.
I was told I should have asked as soon as I was able. I asked the court right way, on our first day of contact. Requests are handled individually, on a case-by-case basis. I asked for myself, the individual.
91直播 doesn’t help us if we need to leave home by 4:30. They will not help with lodging the night before jury selection, no matter when you have to leave home. If you don’t show up, they could prosecute you.
Lucky we live 91直播?
Alyce Ma
Kealakekua
‘Interesting experience’
at Kona’s No Kings rally
I had an interesting experience attending/participating in the No Kings rally on Saturday, March 28, in Kailua-Kona along Highway 11. It was a beautiful day. Partly cloudy, so no direct sun. No rain. No wind.
A great feeling of aloha all around! I hope the newspaper covered this rally. I would estimate around 800 attendees. Everyone was peaceful and in a joyful mood. Lots of cool posters. Some funny costumes.
There were quite a few organizers reminding people to stay off the busy roadway while waving their signs. After a while some, 91直播 Police Department officers arrived. They were ticketing vehicles that were parked too close to the roadway.
One officer parked his own car in such a way that to walk past him, pedestrians would need to walk right on the roadway. Not really thoughtful, but no big deal.
I felt distinctly uncertain about the presence of those police. They were not unfriendly. They were also not friendly.
I assume they came by to make sure that order was being maintained and to prevent problems. But with so much experience seeing federal police agents showing up and provoking resistance to enable arrests, I felt a little uncomfortable.
I don’t like feeling uncomfortable about police. I respect what they do. I’ve worked with them for decades when they bring injured folks to the hospital ER, where I used to take care of them.
But the United States has changed now. Yes, there is hope, thanks to the No Kings Day marchers, and I truly hope that they/we will bring about change for the good.
Barry Blum
Kailua-Kona
