HONOLULU, Hawaii – The state legislature begins the 2014 session next week, and until that time lawmakers are holding a series of informational briefings – mostly on state budget needs. And if you watch closely you’ll sometimes see some discussion on matters of local interest.

Like on Monday, when the Judiciary presented their budget needs to a joint committee in Honolulu. The Senate Ways and Means Committee and the House Finance Committee heard details on the particular needs for personnel on the Big Island.

Also, lawmakers were once again briefed on the Judiciary’s largest CIP request: $81 million for a new courthouse complex in Kona.

Last session, funding for the project was reduced drastically as it made its way from one committee to the next. State lawmakers opted for fiscal prudence over big spending.

Kealealani courthouse in Kealakekua needs kokua on many fronts