Richardson memorials to be open to the public

Thousands are expected to pay tribute to the late William S. Richardson, a former state Supreme Court chief justice and Hawaii lieutenant governor, at public events today and tomorrow.

Richardson, 90, died at home June 21.

Richardson will lie in repose today at the University of Hawaii’s William S. Richardson School of Law, in the school’s moot courtroom. The public is invited to take part in viewing and visitation from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The family urges the public to pay their respects at today’s event, as space will be limited tomorrow at the memorial service at St. Andrew’s Cathedral in downtown Honolulu.

Tomorrow, visitation will take place at St. Andrew’s from 8 to 11 a.m. The service will begin at 11:30 a.m., followed by a private burial.

Due to limited seating, the service will be shown live on closed-circuit television in Tenney Theatre next to the church.

Gov. Linda Lingle has ordered that the state flag fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset tomorrow in honor of Richardson.

The family issued a statement through the law school:

"The Richardson family would like to say a warm mahalo for all of your support. Our dad was a beloved family man and Puna, as his grandkids called him (short for Kupuna, referring to an elder or source in Hawaiian). To put it simply, our dad and Puna was a cool and contemporary guy. We will miss him dearly.

"In lieu of flowers, please honor CJ’s legacy and continue to help educate future leaders in our community by donating to the ‘William S. Richardson — Realizing the Dream’ fund at the law school."

Here is more information on the events:

» Parking: At UH, visitors may park at the Zone 20 parking structure off Dole Street. Free parking and a special lane will be provided for those attending the visitation. Permit holders for Zone 17 are asked to park in the lot fronting the music building or in the Zone 20 parking structure.

At St. Andrew’s, metered parking on Queen Emma Square, Queen Emma Street and side streets around the church is available for the public. The Central Intermediate School parking lot and Alii Place parking structure at Alakea and Beretania streets are other parking options.

» Photography: Not allowed (except for news media) at either event.

» Donations: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the "William S. Richardson — Realizing the Dream Fund" at the law school or at www.uhf.hawaii.edu/wsr-realizingthedream.