QUALIFICATIONS OF ARBITRATORS

(A) The Judicial Arbitration Commission shall create and maintain a panel of arbitrators consisting of attorneys licensed to practice in the State of Hawai‘i and, in its discretion, qualified non-attorneys. (B) Attorneys serving as arbitrators shall have substantial experience in civil litigation, and shall have been licensed to practice law in the State of Hawai‘i for a period of five (5) years, or can provide the Judicial Arbitration Commission with proof of equivalent qualifying experience. (C) Arbitrators shall be required to complete an orientation and training program following their selection to the panel and other additional training sessions or classes scheduled by the Judicial Arbitration Commission or Arbitration Administrator. (D) Arbitrators shall be sworn or affirmed by the Chief Justice or his designee to uphold these rules of the Program, the laws of the State of Hawai‘i, and the Code of Ethics of the American Arbitration Association. (E) An arbitrator who would be disqualified for any reason that would disqualify a judge under the Code of Judicial Conduct shall immediately resign or be withdrawn as an arbitrator. (F) Any issue concerning the qualification of a person to serve as an arbitrator on the panel of arbitrators shall be referred to the Judicial Arbitration Commission for a final, non-reviewable determination. (Amended April 16, 1987, effective May 1, 1987; further amended effective March 20, 1997.)