State courtroom staff trying to find lawyers scheduled to be in court ask Al.

Lawyers trying to find other lawyers in the courthouse ask Al.

Reporters looking for where a particular hearing is scheduled ask Al.

And they all turn to Al when they want to know what is happening in court that day.

Al is Alfred Chamizo, 82, a retired federal sheet-metal worker who has been a state court institution for the past 21 years.

Since returning to Hawaii in 1987, Chamizo has kept track of and attended prominent court cases in federal court, Honolulu District Court and state Circuit Court.

For his volunteer service as goodwill ambassador of the court, Chief Justice Ronald presented Chamizo with a certificate of appreciation yesterday.

Chamizo said going to court every day and keeping track of cases gives him something to do. He said he would go crazy if he stayed home.

Over the years, Chamizo has perfected the art of positioning himself in front of television cameras. People often see him in the background of cases featured on local television and ask reporters who he is.

The public might not know Chamizo. But just ask any judge, Honolulu lawyer or anybody who regularly goes to court. They know Al.

In addition to the assistance he provides court staff, lawyers and reporters, Chamizo spots people visiting court for the first time and helps them find where they need to go.

“;The courthouse would not be the same without Al,”; Moon said.

The presentation caught Chamizo by surprise. He attended yesterday's Judiciary service awards ceremony because he was told Moon wanted to meet him.

“;What an honor. I'm stunned,”; he said, “;I never thought this would happen.”;

In recent years Chamizo has stopped going to federal court and Honolulu District Court. But he is in Circuit Court as soon as the doors open Monday through Friday.

You can find him sitting near the elevators on the third floor.