HONOLULU — Gov. David Ige recently appointed District Judge James S. Kawashima to the Circuit Court of the First Circuit (Oahu) to fill the vacancy created by retiring Judge Bert I. Ayabe in Oct. 2021. Kawashima’s name was among five nominees sent to Gov. Ige by the Judicial Selection Commission, Hawaii State Judiciary.
“Judge Kawashima brings a depth and breadth of experience that will benefit the Circuit Court,” said Gov. Ige in a news release. “I know he’ll work efficiently, and I’m confident that he both understands the law and will continue to treat those in his courtroom with respect and fairness.”
Kawashima is currently a district judge of the First Circuit, State of Hawaii, where he previously served as a per diem judge. He gained a wide range of experience in criminal and civil litigation as an attorney, and has served as an adjunct instructor at Kapiolani Community College’s paralegal program. Judge Kawashima earned his J.D. at the University of Southern California and is a graduate of Princeton University.
“I am both honored and humbled by Gov. Ige’s confidence in me,” said Kawashima. “It has been an enormous privilege to serve with the judiciary, and I look forward to expressing my appreciation for this responsibility as I meet with our esteemed senators in the weeks to come.”
Judge Kawashima’s appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.
Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii.