---
title: "Craig H. Nakamura | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/craig-h-nakamura-7204"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-10-09"
---

# Craig H. Nakamura

Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals
- State: Hawaii
- Role: Judge
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-06-30

## Summary

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

## Biography

### Professional career

- Judge, Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals, 2009-present
- held the role of a law clerk to U.S. Circuit Judge Herbert Y. C. Choy
- Retired American jurist who held the role of an associate judge and later Chief Judge of the Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals

### Education

- Harvard Law School, graduating cum laude in — J.D. (1981)
- Undergraduate degree from the University of Hawaii in 1978
- Harvard University — J.D.
- University of Hawaiʻi System

### Additional information

- Chief Judge from September 16, 2009 until March 2018
- He held the role of chief judge from September 2009 to March 2018 and retired in March 2018.
- Practitioner, 2008-2008
- Nominated to the court by former Republican Governor Linda Lingle in January 2004 and assumed office on April 8, 2004.
- Governor Linda Lingle nominated him in January 2004; he assumed office April 8, 2004.
- In 1986 he became an assistant U.S. attorney, serving until his appellate appointment.
- Born July 19, 1956, Honolulu, Hawaii.
- Date of birth: 1956-07-19
- After law school he clerked for U.S. Circuit Judge Herbert Choy, then worked at Goodsill, Anderson, Quinn & Stifel.
- His tenure as Chief Judge coincided with significant caseload management in Hawaii’s judicial system
- During his tenure, Nakamura was known for emphasizing judicial efficiency and court administration, including guidance on brief-writing for practitioners.
- He also held the role of director of the Hawaii State Bar Association and taught appellate advocacy as an adjunct professor
- membership in the Hawaii State Bar Association.
- Birth place: Honolulu

## 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.courtlistener.com/person/7204/craig-h-nakamura/)
- [Official roster](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/7204/craig-h-nakamura/)
- [Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals current judicial profile](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/7204/craig-h-nakamura/)
- [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)
- [CourtListener judicial biographical directory](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/7204/craig-h-nakamura/)
- [Craig Nakamura - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Craig_Nakamura)
- [Wikidata: Craig H. Nakamura](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q51649104)

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