What's Being Discussed

The Hawaiʻi Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in a criminal case: State of Hawaiʻi vs. Vihn Du Chau (also known as Vihn Chau or Eric Chau). In this case, the State is appealing a lower court decision in favor of the defendant. Attorneys from both sides will present their arguments, and the justices may ask questions.

• Case number: SCWC-23-0000336
• The State of Hawaiʻi is the petitioner (the party bringing the appeal)
• Vihn Du Chau is the respondent (the party responding to the appeal)

Decisions Expected

No final decision will be issued at the hearing itself. The justices will listen to oral arguments and then deliberate privately before issuing a written ruling at a later date. The court's eventual decision could affect the outcome of the underlying criminal case.

Who Should Pay Attention

• Parties involved in the case and their legal representatives
• Legal professionals interested in how the Supreme Court interprets relevant laws
• General public interested in how the state's appellate court system works

The hearing is open to the public in person at Ali'iōlani Hale, 417 South King Street, Honolulu, 2nd Floor, or via livestream on the Judiciary's YouTube channel at YouTube.com/hawaiicourts or on ʻŌlelo Community Television. If you need a disability accommodation, contact the ADA Coordinator at 539-4700 in advance.