Judge Rejects Federal Government Bid to Block Hawaii Climate Lawsuit

U.S. ​District Judge Helen Gillmor cited a ‘longstanding’ policy against federal intervention in the procedures of state courts.

A sign for the Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole Federal Building and Courthouse is displayed outside the courthouse in Honolulu, on Jan. 22, 2024. Jennifer Kelleher/AP Photo

A U.S. judge on April 15 dismissed a federal government lawsuit seeking to stop Hawaii from ​suing fossil fuel companies in state court over climate-related actions.

U.S. District Judge Helen Gillmor in Honolulu cited a “longstanding” policy against federal intervention in the procedures of state courts.