The state Judiciary announced Friday that the courts will provide or permit qualified Hawaiian language interpreters to the extent reasonably possible when parties in courtroom proceedings choose to express themselves through the Hawaiian language.

The policy is an apparent response to a recent case on Maui where a defendant chose to conduct his defense in Hawaiian and the judge issued a bench warrant, which since was recalled.

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According to a written statement, the Judiciary will develop implementation procedures for this policy, and welcomes input from the community. Comments can be sent to pao@courts.hawaii.gov.

Individuals interested in serving as a court interpreter should contact the Office on Equality and Access to the Courts at 539-4860 for further information. Basic orientation workshops for court interpreters of all languages are scheduled for the following dates and locations:

• Kona: March 6-7 at the Kona Driver Education Office in the Kealakekua Business Plaza.

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• Hilo: March 15-16 at the Hilo Courthouse, 777 Kilauea Ave.

The deadline to register is Jan. 31.