Aloha! Ever wonder where justice and history meet in Honolulu? That place is Aliiolani Hale. This magnificent structure is also known as Building 42.
Aliiolani Hale stands proudly as home to the Hawaii State Supreme Court. But its story stretches back much further. It was once intended to be the royal palace for King Kamehameha V.
In Hawaiian, Aliiolani Hale means “House of Heavenly Kings”. Aliiolani was also one of Kamehameha V’s given names. The building’s design is credited to Australian Thomas Rowe. He designed it in the Italian Renaissance Revival style.
Kamehameha V recognized the Hawaiian government’s dire need for office space. The existing government buildings were cramped and inadequate. So, he commissioned Aliiolani Hale as a government building. This was instead of a palace.
The cornerstone was laid on February 19, 1872. Sadly, Kamehameha V died before its completion. King David Kalakaua, one of his successors, dedicated it in 1874. Some Hawaiian media criticized the building’s design at the time. They suggested converting it into a palace.
Aliiolani Hale housed most executive departments of the Hawaiian government until 1893. It also hosted the Hawaiian legislature and courts.
In 1893, the Committee of Safety deposed Queen Liliuokalani from Aliiolani Hale. This was under the leadership of Lorrin A. Thurston. The Hawaiian provisional government and later the Republic of Hawaii moved some offices to Iolani Palace. This included the Hawaiian legislature. Aliiolani Hale then became primarily a judicial building.
As Hawaii’s government grew, space became an issue. Especially after Hawaii became a U.S. territory in 1900. In 1911, Aliiolani Hale underwent extensive renovations. The entire interior was gutted and rebuilt. This created a new floorplan that was better suited for judicial functions. The building was originally designed as a palace. Its floorplan was not adequate for its later usage as a judicial building. The new layout fixed this problem.
A new wing was added in the 1940s. Architects tried to blend it seamlessly with the original 1870s design. Over time, many state judiciary functions moved to other buildings.
Today, Aliiolani Hale houses the Hawaii State Supreme Court. It also serves as the administrative center for the Hawaii State Judiciary. You can also find the Judiciary History Center here. It features exhibits about Hawaii’s judicial history. The building also houses Hawaii’s largest law library.
In December 2005, a time capsule buried by Kamehameha V was located. It contained photos of royal families and the Hawaiian Kingdom’s constitution. Also there were Hawaiian postage stamps, coins, newspapers, a calendar, and books. The capsule remains undisturbed to protect the building’s structure.
Even Aliiolani Hale isn’t immune to modern problems. In 2006, copper thieves stole several downspouts.
Aliiolani Hale is a treasure trove of Hawaiian history and legal legacy. Its walls have witnessed pivotal moments. It stands as a testament to Hawaii’s evolving identity. Take a moment to appreciate this iconic building. It represents the heart of Hawaii’s past and present.