Promoting the
Advancement of
Civic Education

About Us

The purpose of the PACE Commission is “to promote and advance civic education for students and citizens throughout Hawai‘i,” as stated in Rule 23 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of the State of Hawai‘i, adopted by the Court on January 7, 2021.

As part of our work to provide educational resources for the public, we’ve partnered with individuals and organizations in the community to provide various programs about the importance of civic education.

Lawyers and Judges in School Program

The PACE Commission, the Judiciary History Center, and the HSBA Civic Education Committee members support teachers and students by having judges and attorneys speak with students in their schools or during visits to the Judiciary History Center. The goal is for students to learn about their government, how it affects their lives, and why it is important to be an active participant. This program also provides resources and shares stories about advocates, cases, and events in Hawai’i, to allow students (K-12) to appreciate special places, people, and events in our communities.

Maulihiwa-Weissman-Aubree-K-aloha-Julie-Nacionales
First Law & Justice Academy on Hawaiʻi Island
A Big Success

HILO, Hawaiʻi – While many teenagers spent their fall break relaxing, 20 high school students from Keaʻau, Waiākea, Kamehameha Schools-Hawaiʻi, Hilo, and Ke Kula ʻo Nāwahīokalaniʻōpuʻu Iki chose to immerse themselves in learning about civics and the legal system. These students were selected to participate in the first Hilo Law & Justice Academy at Hale Kaulike (Hilo courthouse), an intensive three-day program that culminated in a mock trial exercise.