Addressing the underlying trauma and substance abuse issues that many non-violent women offenders struggle with can put them on a better path — and save taxpayer money too.

When the Honolulu Women’s Court is in session, First Circuit District Court Judge Trish Morikawa’s courtroom feels like a family reunion.

On a recent Wednesday, a baby cooed in its mother’s arms as she sat in one of the back pews. Another participant’s 3-year-old grandchild, clad in a Mickey Mouse T-shirt and shorts, excitedly ran up to the court clerk to snag a piece of candy from a Ziploc bag.

Morikawa spent about five minutes checking in with each woman on the docket. Leaving behind the rigid formality of a typical court proceeding, she talked to each participant as if they were a friend.

“I’m going to miss you

See Full Page