Maui Judge James Rouse honored as 2026 Jurist of the Year

Judge James Rouse of Maui’s 2nd Circuit District Family Court received the 2026 Jurist of the Year Award from Chief Justice Vladimir Devens on Friday during the Judiciary’s Statewide Employee Awards Ceremony in the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court courtroom.

Devens said Rouse treats litigants with fairness and respect and maintains high standards of conduct and civility in his courtroom while showing empathy. He also credited Rouse with working effectively with people who have mental illness and with connecting with young people.

“His longstanding reputation as a natural mentor speaks to his character, his devotion to the profession, and his love for his Maui community,” Devens said.

Rouse was sworn in as a District Family Court judge in March 2021, the Judiciary said. He previously worked as a deputy attorney general in the Family Law Division and spent 19 years as a deputy public defender. He also worked in private practice focused on family and criminal law.

The chief justice selects the Jurist of the Year each year from nominations submitted by Hawaiʻi attorneys and Judiciary staff. The award goes to a full-time trial judge based on the quality of the judge’s decisions, contributions outside the courtroom to the administration of justice, and public service in the community, according to the Judiciary.

Maui employees honored

Several Second Circuit employees also received awards at the ceremony:

• Susan Gushiken, judicial assistant to 2nd Circuit Judge Peter Cahill, received the Distinguished Service Award, the Judiciary’s highest employee honor.
• Norma Celestino Ringrose of the 2nd Circuit Facilities Management Branch received a Certificate of Commendation.
• The 2nd Circuit District Court clerks received a Group Certificate of Commendation. They are Tammy Kincaid, Danlyn Kapaku, Kezia Asao, Hāna Kraker, Precious Naleieha, Eunice Joy Patao, Suzette Pencerga, Brenda Franco-Rodriguez, Danielle Ronquillo, Dolgor Rosen and Teagan Waialeale.

Other statewide honorees

• The Uniform Disposition Entry Program Team received the Group Meritorious Service Award. Members are Mojtaba Abolfazli, Jennifer Awong, Kao-Wei Chua, Adam Cohen, Sharon Iwai, Emerita Mateo-Dias, Julie Okamoto, Karol Sakumoto, Kristi Tanaka and Krista Thom.
• Selma Matsunami of the 3rd Circuit Facilities Management Branch in Hilo and Roselani Kaluahine of the 5th Circuit Client Services Division received Spirit of the Judiciary Awards.
• Ariel Maeda of the Judiciary’s Application Project Management Branch, Information Technology & Systems Department, received a Certificate of Commendation.
• The ʻEwa District Court clerks received a Group Certificate of Commendation. They are Julie Domingo, Simone Hagemann, Debra-Anne Nagatani, Sue Okimoto, Jenna Leigh Saito, Penny Suan, Renna Tuupoina and Deanna Yamane.