Sections of the report pertain to the court structure; legislative priorities; future challenges; new judicial appointments; and information on the operations of the courts of appeal, trial courts, support services, and financial resources. In the course of the 1996 fiscal year, a new administrative director of the courts was appointed, and emergency appellate procedures were instituted. Also, expedited paternity procedures were implemented, and facilities were surveyed for accessibility. The Rules of the Circuit Court of Hawaii were significantly amended to require parties involved in all civil cases filed in circuit court to confer in person with the opposing party to consider the feasibility of settlement and alternative dispute resolution options. The certification of court interpreters is progressing, and video-conducted proceedings were found to improve efficiency. A teen court was launched in O'ahu. Statistics pertain to caseload activity and dispositions.