On Saturday, July 18th, 2026, Justice Todd Eddins of the Hawaii Supreme Court authored a 91-page majority opinion in the case State v. Granillo, involving a man convicted in 1990 of kidnapping and sexual assault on Maui. The court ordered a new trial after determining that forensic evidence used in the original conviction was based on discredited science.

In an approximately eight-page segment of the opinion, Eddins delivered a pointed critique of the US Supreme Court's conservative majority, known as the Roberts Court. He accused the Court of reviving discredited rulings from 1857 and 1896, weakening constitutional rights, damaging democracy, and advancing a political agenda. Eddins stated, "It revives the work of 1857. The work of 1896," and added, "That is not defiance. That is the design."

He further criticized the Court for failing to honor landmark decisions from 1954 and condemned what he described as "today’s hubristic originalists" who use originalist methods to control modern life. Eddins emphasized the role of state constitutions in protecting rights when the federal Supreme Court does not, saying, "When six justices walk away from those they are supposed to protect, state constitutions hold the line."

Justice Eddins has served on the Hawaii Supreme Court since 2020 after being appointed by a then-Democratic governor. His opinion signals Hawaii's courts may resist following the Roberts Court's interpretations when applying the state constitution.

This development comes amid broader national debates over the Supreme Court's direction, including recent decisions on birthright citizenship and executive power. The Roberts Court's conservative majority has been described by some commentators as focused on restoring constitutional originalism and limiting the administrative state.

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