13 youth in Hawaiʻi filed their constitutional climate lawsuit against their Department of Transportation (HDOT); HDOT Director Jade Butay; Government David Ige; and the State of Hawai‘i.

The State of Hawai‘i filed a Motion to Dismiss the case.

Youth plaintiffs filed a Memorandum in Opposition to Defendants’ Motion to Dismiss the case.

The State of Hawai‘i filed its Reply in Support of their Motion to Dismiss.

Attorneys for the youth plaintiffs appeared before Judge Jeffrey P. Crabtree at the Environmental Court of First Circuit in Honolulu to present the youth’s position as to why the case should be permitted to move forward.

Over 100 supporters packed the courtroom and nearby overflow room, while nearly 150 more watched the proceedings online via Zoom. Supporters in Honolulu then joined the youth plaintiffs at a post-hearing press conference on the courthouse plaza, gathering to sing songs and hear the attorneys and young plaintiffs speak.

Judge Crabtree ruled in favor of the 13 youth plaintiffs, denying the state’s attempt to prevent their case from proceeding to trial.

Attorneys for the 13 youth plaintiffs appeared before Judge Jeffrey P. Crabtree at the First Circuit, advocating to maintain their September 2023 trial date.

Judge Crabtree granted the State’s motion to continue the trial date, explaining he wants to give the State enough time to prepare their defense to ensure both sides have a fair trial. Judge Crabtree did not reset the trial date, instead opting to meet with attorneys representing both parties on Friday, June 2, to discuss in greater detail.

The Honorable Jeannette H. Castagnetti transferred the case from Judge Jeffrey P. Crabtree to Judge John M. Tonaki to set a new trial date.

During an online Zoom hearing with attorneys for the youth plaintiffs and the defense, new trial dates were set by Judge Tonaki for Monday, June 24, 2024 to Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Environmental Court, First Circuit in Honolulu, HI.