What's Being Discussed

The Hawaiʻi Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in a landmark case involving two elephants at the Honolulu Zoo named Mari and Vaigai. The case was brought by the Nonhuman Rights Project, an organization that advocates for legal rights for animals.

• The central question is whether animals — specifically these two elephants — can be granted legal standing, meaning the ability to have rights recognized and protected by a court.
• The case is being argued against the City and County of Honolulu, the Department of Enterprise Services, and Honolulu Zoo officials.
• This type of legal action is known as a writ of habeas corpus, a legal tool typically used to challenge whether a person (or, in this case, an animal) is being unlawfully held.

Decisions Expected

No immediate vote or legislative decision is expected. The Supreme Court justices will hear arguments from both sides and later issue a written ruling. Their decision could have significant implications for how Hawaii law treats the rights of animals.

Who Should Pay Attention

• Animal rights advocates and organizations interested in legal protections for animals
• Honolulu Zoo visitors and supporters
• Legal professionals interested in evolving questions about personhood and rights
• General public curious about this nationally significant case

The hearing is open to the public at Punahou School, Dillingham Hall, and will also be livestreamed on the Hawaiʻi Courts YouTube channel and on ʻŌlelo Community Media. If you need disability accommodations, contact the ADA Coordinator at 539-4700 in advance.