The long-awaited Kona Judiciary Complex is a step closer to realization following Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s approval of the project’s final Environmental Impact Statement this week.

The FEIS will now go to Hawaii Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald, who will select from one of seven proposed sites for the complex. Groundbreaking is expected to commence early next year.

As state Rep. Denny Coffman noted, court proceedings have been held in three different locations in Kona, none of which “were designed as courthouses.” The new complex will consolidate court resources, including the law library, which is currently housed in the former morgue.

“Consolidating courthouse operations in Kona to a single facility, a facility designed to be a courthouse, will save money, streamline operations, and increase public safety,” Coffman said.