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title: "John M. Tonaki | KnowJudges"
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page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-10-07"
---

# John M. Tonaki

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

- The announcement, reproduced by Hawaii Free Press, says he had headed the Hawaii Office of the Public Defender since 2000
- John M. Tonaki has had a long career in the Hawaii public defender system, where he held the role of a deputy public defender, head of the felony division, and ultimately as the head of the office since 2000.
- Circuit Court Judge, Hawaii Circuit Court, First Circuit
- Throughout his career, Tonaki has been involved in managing complex felony cases and overseeing the operations of the public defender’s office
- His work has emphasized fair representation, legal ethics, and criminal justice reform

### Education

- Bachelor degree in Political Science from the University of Hawaii Manoa and a law degree from the University of California Hastings College of the Law.

### Additional information

- “Jack” Tonaki as his First Circuit Court appointee in August 2019 to fill the vacancy created by Glenn J. Kim’s retirement.
- Recognized for his expertise in criminal defense and his contributions to the legal community in Hawaii
- His professional profile on details his legal expertise and career highlights, reflecting his significant contributions to Hawaii’s legal system
- His educational background provided a strong foundation for his legal and judicial career
- John M. Tonaki is a highly experienced legal professional who transitioned from a leadership role in the public defender’s office to being considered for judicial appointments, including the Hawaii Supreme Court.
- Governor David Ige announced John M.
- His professional service included boards of the Hawaii State Bar Association and American Judicature Society, and Judiciary committees on evidence rules and criminal jury instructions.

## 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)
- [www.hawaiifreepress.com](https://www.hawaiifreepress.com/Articles-Main/ID/24079/Ige-Announces-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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