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title: "James S. Kawashima | KnowJudges"
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# James S. Kawashima

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 First Circuit (Oʻahu) in Hawaii, appointed in 2022 to a 10‐year term ending November 29, 2032, and is recognized for his extensive legal experience in both criminal and civil cases
- Between 1992 and 1996 Kawashima served as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in the Special Prosecution Unit of the Honolulu Department of the Prosecuting Attorney
- Kawashima’s career spans public service, private practice, and judicial work, giving him broad experience in criminal, civil, and administrative law
- held the role of District Court Judge (per diem) in the First Circuit

### Education

- University of Southern California Law Center

### Additional information

- Governor David Ige appointed Kawashima to fill the vacancy created by Judge Bert I. Ayabe’s retirement in October 2021.
- His name was selected from a Judicial Selection Commission list of five nominees, and the appointment required Senate confirmation Spectrum News.

## 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)

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