EDITORIAL
Family court should be moved to Kapolei

There are undoubtedly some lawyers and court officials who dread the proposed move of Family Court from downtown Honolulu to a new site in Kapolei.

But the logic of moving the Family Court (and a related juvenile detention center) is so compelling that it would be a tragedy if the move does not happen.

According to staff writer Rod Ohira, the state may lose its option on 13.5 acres of land in Kapolei deeded by the Campbell Estate for the court if it does not commit to building and finishing the project.

Lawmakers have yet to commit the money that is needed to make it a reality.

A high priority in the 2005 session must be a firm legislative commitment to funding the planning and construction of the new facility.

Arguments in favor of the project are many:

First, it would represent a strong state commitment to the idea of making Kapolei a true second city.

It would also relieve overcrowding at the judiciary's downtown facilities.

In addition, a new detention center would replace the aging Alder Street facility.

The only strong argument against the move (aside from the costs) is that it might be shifting this important service away from the center of population, where people need it.

That's no longer a valid argument. As O'ahu's population center of gravity shifts west, so too should the services and facilities that government offers the public.

Losing out on the Campbell Estate offer would be a shame. The time to act is now.