The Hawaiʻi State Judiciary marked Law Day 2025 by launching KolokoloChat, a new artificial intelligence-powered chatbot designed to improve public access to court information and resources. The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa played a key role in the development of the tool.
KolokoloChat provides 24/7 access to frequently asked questions, online forms and other self-help resources for court users, including self-represented litigants. The chatbot uses natural language processing to engage users in real-time conversations and guide them to relevant information, making interactions with the court system more efficient and accessible.
Mahdi Belcaid, associate professor and associate chair in the Department of Information and Computer Sciences (ICS) in the College of Natural Sciences, led the university’s efforts in training the chatbot on a comprehensive dataset of court procedures, rules and user inquiries. The collaboration demonstrates UH Mānoa’s commitment to supporting public institutions through applied research and innovation.
“It’s been incredibly rewarding to apply our research in artificial intelligence to a project that directly benefits the people of Hawaiʻi,” Belcaid said. “Collaborating with the judiciary allowed us to design a tool that makes complex legal information more accessible and easier to navigate.”
Hawaiʻi State Judiciary Innovations Officer Angela Min added, “This collaboration highlights the value of interagency partnerships in improving state government services. With their expertise in artificial intelligence and software engineering, the judiciary will continuously enhance the chatbot to improve performance and user experience.”
The name KolokoloChat draws from the Hawaiian verb “kolokolo,” which means to track, investigate or seek evidence. It also serves as the root word of “hoʻokolokolo,” the Hawaiian word for court or judiciary.
“KolokoloChat represents a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to leverage advancements in technology that enhance service to our community,” said Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald. “By providing quick and easy access to vital information, we are empowering individuals to navigate the legal system with greater ease and confidence.”
Belcaid added, “This partnership demonstrates how industry leaders and academia can create technology solutions that benefit the public. IBM provided security workshops, Google funded the resources used to build and initially deploy the chatbot, and Research CyberInfrastructure assisted with deployment. This collaboration gave ICS students valuable real-world experience as they tested the system.”
To access KolokoloChat, visit the Hawaiʻi State Judiciary website.
