Retiree Al Chamizo, who spent so much of his time attending court hearings and trials that he was honored by the Hawai'i Supreme Court last year with a certificate of appreciation, died after collapsing last week in a hallway at Circuit Court.

Chamizo was known as "Courthouse Al" and was frequently a background figure in television and newspaper video and still photographs taken at high-profile court hearings and trials. He often chose a gallery seat behind defendants, knowing that he would be included in news coverage of the events.

The state Judiciary announced yesterday that Chamizo, 82, had died. He was a retired federal worker.

The Supreme Court certificate, presented to him in December by Chief Justice Ronald Moon, honored him for his goodwill service.