Hawaii flags lowered to honor Supreme Court Justice Ginsburg

U.S. and Hawaii flags will be flying at half-mast to honor Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who died Friday of cancer.

In ordering the lowering of the flags, Gov. David Ige said Friday that the flags will remain at half-mast until the date of Ginsburg’s interment, which has not yet been determined.

“Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a giant in advocating for justice and equity,” Ige said. “Justice Ginsburg visited Hawaii several times, and it was clear that her values were closely aligned with those of our community.”

Other Hawaii leaders offered their condolences.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz said Ginsburg “was a brilliant jurist.”

“In devoting her life to advancing equality and justice for all, she made our country a better place and blazed a trail for women in civic life,” he said.

He also called on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to “respect her final wish and wait to confirm her replacement until a new president is sworn in.”

Hawaii Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald

called Ginsburg “a legal giant, a brilliant jurist who tirelessly worked to ensure that our nation’s promise of justice for all was kept.”

“She was also a courageous and inspirational role model, both professionally and personally,” he continued. “We were honored to have her visit the Hawaii Supreme Court on several occasions. Most recently, she visited our court in 2017, when she met with the justices and members of the bar, and then graciously spoke about her experiences and her love of Hawaii with law clerks and staff attorneys.”