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title: "Clarissa Y. Malinao | KnowJudges"
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page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-10-07"
---

# Clarissa Y. Malinao

Hawaii Circuit Court, First Circuit · Circuit Court Judge

## Profile

- Court: Hawaii Circuit Court, First Circuit
- State: Hawaii
- Role: Circuit Court Judge
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-07-26

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Biography

### Professional career

- Circuit Court Judge for the Oʻahu First Circuit in Hawaii, appointed in 2021 by Governor David Ige to replace Edwin C. Nacino, and serves on the Criminal Division and multiple specialty courts
- Early Judicial Role: Per diem judge, Oʻahu First Circuit District Court (2019–2021)
- Position: Circuit Court Judge, Oʻahu First Circuit (15th Division)
- Bachelor degree in criminal justice from Seattle University and a law degree from Whittier Law School in California
- She had held the role of a per diem First Circuit District Court judge for the preceding two years

### Education


### Additional information

- The Hawaii Senate confirmed Clarissa Y. Malinao for the First Circuit Court in 2021.
- Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii recognized her as an Outstanding Pro Bono Attorney Honoree in 2020.
- Her appointment filled the vacancy created by Edwin C. Nacino’s retirement in 2020.
- handling criminal cases in state and federal courts, and earlier held the role of a Honolulu deputy public defender.
- She most recently practiced on her own
- Malinao leads the Mental Health Court in the First Circuit, a program that redirects offenders from incarceration to community-based treatment with intensive supervision
- focusing on mental health recovery and public safety

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### extended coverage notice

Scope: statewide

Hawaii requires news media to notify a court coordinator before electronic or photographic coverage of a judicial proceeding, including audio recording, film, videotape, or still photography.

Evidence excerpt: The news media must notify a court coordinator of their intent to provide any electronic or photographic coverage of a judicial proceeding.

[Cameras and Audio Equipment](https://www.courts.state.hi.us/news_and_reports/media_guidelines/cameras_and_audio_equipment)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### camera microphone placement

Scope: statewide

Hawaii leaves courtroom camera and microphone placement to the judge and cautions that judges may differ on placement rules.

Evidence excerpt: The judge will decide where cameras and microphones can be placed in the courtroom. Judges differ on this - so please ask.

[Cameras and Audio Equipment](https://www.courts.state.hi.us/news_and_reports/media_guidelines/cameras_and_audio_equipment)
Source checked: 2026-07-26


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://www.courts.state.hi.us/general_information/contact/judges_phone_listing_1c)
- [Official roster](https://www.courts.state.hi.us/general_information/contact/judges_phone_listing_1c)
- [Hawaii State Judiciary official judicial roster](https://www.courts.state.hi.us/general_information/contact/judges_phone_listing_1c)
- [Cameras and Audio Equipment](https://www.courts.state.hi.us/news_and_reports/media_guidelines/cameras_and_audio_equipment)
- [Remote Court Hearings via Zoom](https://www.courts.state.hi.us/remote-court-hearings-via-zoom-or-webex)
- [Hawaii State Judiciary judicial profile or roster](https://www.courts.state.hi.us/general_information/contact/judges_phone_listing_1c)
- [mauinow.com](https://mauinow.com/2021/10/31/senate-confirms-six-judicial-appointments/)
- [Hawaii State Judiciary judicial profile or roster](https://www.courts.state.hi.us/general_information/contact/judges_phone_listing_1c)

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