(BIVN) – A blessing and art dedication took place at the newly opened Keahuolū Courthouse in Kona on Tuesday.

This media release is courtesy the Hawaiʻi State Judiciary:

The recently opened Keahuolu Courthouse in West Hawaii was formally blessed and the art work dedicated this morning under sunny Kona skies before 300 people.

The courthouse, which opened to the public on September 3, replaced courthouses previously located in three separate buildings. The name Keahuolu honors the ahupuaa in which it is located.

Third Circuit Chief Judge Greg K. Nakamura was the emcee for the event that featured remarks by Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald, Gov. David Y. Ige, Hawaii Island legislators Rep. Nicole E. Lowen, and Sen. Dru Mamo Kanuha, Third Circuit Chief Judge Ronald Ibarra (ret.), and Jonathan Johnson, executive director of the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts.

“Today’s celebration represents a significant milestone for West Hawaii. This building will provide a safe, secure, and modern place where people can come together to obtain justice,” said Chief Justice Recktenwald. “It has been a long time coming, but it has been worth the wait. I have been told that discussions about the need for a courthouse for Kona have been underway in one form or another for more than 30 years,” he added.

Big Island Video News will feature more video from the Tuesday event, including the blessing of the two artworks outside the building, and the speech delivered by retired Chief Judge Ronald Ibarra.

The Hawaiʻi State Judiciary adds:

The 140,000-square-foot courthouse sits on 10 acres of land. It has five courtrooms, as well as rooms for grand jurors and regular jurors; Driverʻs Education Office; Juvenile and Adult Client Services; Sheriffʻs operations; and administrative offices. There are 292 parking stalls for court visitors.

The facility cost $95.8 million for construction, furniture, fixtures, and equipment. AHL was the architect and Nan Inc. the general contractor.