#Chief Justice
Vladimir P. Devens Sworn In as Chief Justice of the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court
Associate Justice Vladimir P. Devens was sworn in Tuesday morning in an informal ceremony as the sixth Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of Hawaiʻi. Acting Chief Justice Sabrina S. McKenna administered the oath of office.
Senate confirms Vladimir Devens as Chief Justice of Hawaiʻi Supreme Court
The Hawaiʻi State Senate today confirmed the appointment of Vladimir P. Devens as Chief Justice of the Hawaiʻi State Supreme Court for a term to expire in 10 years.
Gov. Green nominates Associate Justice Vladimir Devens as Chief Justice of the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court
Gov. Josh Green announced the nomination of Vladimir Devens to serve as Chief Justice of the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court. Devens, who has served as an associate justice since 2024, brings more than three decades of legal experience to the role, including extensive work in civil litigation and public service.
Governor receives nominees for Chief Justice and Maui court vacancy
Gov. Josh Green has received lists of nominees from the Judicial Selection Commission to fill the Chief Justice position on the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court and a vacancy on Maui’s 2nd Circuit Court.
Recktenwald retires as Hawai’i Chief Justice
Today marks the end of Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald’s service on the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court. He is stepping down in accordance with the State of Hawaiʻi’s constitutional requirement that judges and justices retire at the age of 70.
Hawaiʻi Supreme Court leadership transition comes as Chief Justice nears mandatory retirement age
Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Associate Justice Sabrina S. McKenna will become Acting Chief Justice of the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court on Oct. 1, 2025, following the retirement of Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald at the end of September. Recktenwald is stepping down due to the state’s mandatory retirement age of 70 for justices and judges.
Chief Justice delivers 2025 State of the Judiciary Address
Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald delivered his eighth and final State of the Judiciary Address on Thursday.
Judiciary Postpones Jury Trials Until Nov. 16
Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald has issued a first extension of an order postponing jury trials across the state through Nov. 16, 2021. This order was issued in response to the current status of COVID-19 cases in the community.
Chief Justice Orders Closure of Courthouses
Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald ordered all state courthouses closed to the public on Friday, except for official court business, from March 23 to April 30, 2020.
Governor Selects Judge McKenna as Supreme Court Nominee
Governor Neil Abercrombie today introduced his nomination for Associate Justice to the Hawaii Supreme Court.
Kobayashi sworn in as Maui District Court Judge
Blaine Kobayashi was sworn in yesterday as Maui’s newest District Court Judge for the Second Circuit court encompassing Maui, Molokai and Lanai. Kobayashi fills the vacancy created by the expiration of the term of Judge Simone Polak. Prior to his judicial appointment, Kobayashi served as a partner with the Carlsmith Ball law firm, representing individual […]
Kobayashi Appointed Maui District Court Judge
Maui has a new District Court Judge. Chief Justice Ronald T. Y. Moon appointed Blaine J. Kobayashi as judge of the District Court of the Second Circuit (islands of Maui, Lanai and Molokai). Kobayashi fills the vacancy created by the expiration of the term of Judge Simone Polak. A partner with the Carlsmith Ball law […]
GOVERNOR LINGLE’S STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS: TRANSCRIPT
January 26, 2009 Senate President Hanabusa, Speaker Say, Lt. Governor and Mrs. Aiona, former Governor Ariyoshi, former Governor Waihe`e and Mrs. Waihe`e, members of the Legislature, cabinet members, Chief Justice Moon, Chair Apoliona, Mayor Tavares, Mayor Kenoi, military leaders, members of the Consular Corps, distinguished guests, and to the people of Hawai`i…good morning and aloha! […]