Bissen Named Chief Judge for 2nd Circuit on Maui

By Wendy Osher

Maui Judge Richard T. Bissen, Jr. has been assigned as Chief Judge of the Second Circuit by Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald.

Judge Richard Bissen. (5.10.16) Photo by Wendy Osher.

Chief Judge Bissen has also been designated as Administrative Judge, Senior Family Court Judge, and appointed as the Arbitration Judge, effective June 24, 2019.

The position of Chief Judge was previously held by Judge Joseph Cardoza who is retiring.

Judge Cardoza will continue to temporarily preside in the Circuit Court of the Second Circuit as a retired judge on a voluntary pro bono basis from June 24 to July 23, 2019, according to a Judiciary spokesperson.

Andrew Laurence with the communications office at the Hawaiʻi State Judiciary tells Maui Now that the temporary assignment was issued by the Chief Justice and is in line with HRS §603-41, which allows for the use of retired circuit judges.  In addition, Judge Cardoza will handle Environmental Court cases during his temporary assignment.

According to Laurence, Circuit Court Judge Rhonda Loo will be the Circuit Court Environmental Court judge for the Second Circuit beginning Aug. 1, 2019.