Gov. David Ige has appointed District Judge James Kawashima to Hawaii’s Court of the First Circuit (Oahu), the governor’s office announced.
“Judge Kawashima brings a depth and breadth of experience that will benefit the circuit court,” Ige said in a 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 was serving as a district judge of Hawaii’s First Circuit where he previously was a per diem judge. As an attorney, he worked in criminal and civil litigation and also served as an adjunct instructor in the paralegal program at Kapiolani Community College.
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,” Kawashima said in the release. “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.”
Kawashima fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Bert Ayabe in October 2021. According to a release from Ige’s office, Kawashima was selected from a list of five nominees recommended by the Judicial Selection Commission.
