KAPOLEI, Hawaii -- The long-awaited Kapolei Court Complex is ready to open.

Architect David Bylund said courthouses are highly charged, emotional environments, so he tried to strike a balance between the formality of the judicial system and the familiarity desired for children and families.

Judiciary officials said they are pleased to finally have a separate facility just for family court.

“This particular building fulfills a decades-long desire to provide family court with its own facility. For 20 years or more, family court has been a trespasser in a sense in the Circuit Court building in Honolulu,” project manager Christina Uebelein.

Art glass windows were designed by local artist Doug Young. There are stone sculptures in the landscape, and the complex features the latest technology that allows video teleconferencing.

The court complex has been opening in phases since February. Beginning March 29, hearings involving juveniles will be held at the new court building.