The Hawai‘i State Judiciary is commemorating the 50th anniversary of statehood with a lunchtime panel discussion featuring retired Chief Justice William S. Richardson and retired Judge Betty M. Vitousek. The speakers will discuss their views on how statehood brought changes to the courts, and share their experiences of living through this historic time.

The event is free and will begin at noon on Thursday at the Judiciary History Center at 417 S. King S. in the restored 1913 courtroom. Attendees are welcome to bring their lunch.
Richardson served on the Hawai‘i Supreme Court from 1966-1982. He advocated for statehood and was active in the Democratic Party, serving as chairman from 1956-1962. In 1962, Richardson was elected Hawaii’s lieutenant governor under John A. Burns.

Vitousek served as a Family Court judge from 1970 until retiring as senior judge of the Family Court of the First Circuit in 1988. As a strong advocate for families and social services, Vitousek helped to establish the Legal Aid Society in Hawai‘i.