Governor Green has announced four judicial appointments, the appointment of a new Deputy Director for the Department of Human Resources Development (DHRD), and several other key positions on state boards and commissions.
Dyan Medeiros, currently serving as a District Family Court Judge, has been appointed to fill one of the vacancies. Medeiros is the lead judge of the Domestic Division, handling divorce cases. Her previous assignments include presiding over juvenile criminal cases and child welfare neglect cases in the Juvenile Division, as well as paternity, temporary restraining orders, adoption, and guardianship cases in the Special Division. Before her judicial career, she was a partner at Kleintop, Luria & Medeiros LLLP. She holds a degree from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa’s William S. Richardson School of Law.
Steven Nichols, currently a per diem District Family Court Judge and practicing privately with his own law office focusing on criminal defense cases, has also been appointed. Nichols previously worked as a Deputy Public Defender for the Office of the Public Defender. He is an alumnus of the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa’s William S. Richardson School of Law.
These appointments come following retirements by Circuit Judges Jeffery P. Crabtree in January 2024, Robert M. Browning in December 2023, Edward H. Kubo Jr., in December 2019, and an upcoming retirement by Judge Gary W.B. Chang in June 2024. The appointments are subject to confirmation by the state Senate.
Brian Furuto has been named Deputy Director of DHRD by Governor Green. Furuto transitions from his role as administrative services officer at the Department of Hawaiian Homelands where he managed daily administrative services including human resources and addressing staffing shortages among other responsibilities. His appointment takes effect on June 10.
Several other individuals have been appointed to various state boards:
- **Agribusiness Development Corporation Board**: Nathan Trump (effective immediately) and Dean Okimoto (effective July 1). Trump manages Island Harvest Inc.’s farming operations while Okimoto co-owns Nalo Farms LLC.
- **East-West Center**: Edward Schultz (effective July 1) serves as President and CEO at Hawaiian Host Group; Rai Saint Chu (effective July 1) is a partner with Turbin Chu Attorneys.
- **Hawai‘i Stadium Authority Board**: Eric Fujimoto (reappointment effective immediately) works with Ho‘ea Wealth Advisory Group; Walter Thoemmes III (effective July 1) is Managing Director for planning at Kamehameha Schools.
- **Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority Board**: Roy Pfund (effective July 1), President and CEO of Roberts Hawaii Inc.; Chris West (effective July 1), member of International Longshore and Warehouse Union.
- **Hawaiian Homes Commission**: Archie Kalepa replaces Randy Awo effective immediately; Kalepa is known for his extensive experience in ocean safety and cultural preservation.
The appointees bring diverse backgrounds spanning legal practice, agricultural management, tourism industry leadership, wealth advisory services, educational administration, real estate development expertise, union representation experience, and community service dedication.