--- title: "Kevin A. Souza | KnowJudges" canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/kevin-a-souza-circuit-court-judge-hawaii-circuit-court-first-circuit-hi" page_type: "judge_profile" updated: "2026-10-07" --- # Kevin A. Souza 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 - Appointed to the First Circuit Court on October 28, 2019, after serving as a First Circuit District Family Court judge since February 2013. - On October 28, 2019, Governor David Ige appointed him to the Circuit Court of the First Circuit, replacing Judge Keith Hiraoka - While working as a solo practitioner, Judge Souza also served as a per diem Family Court judge (2012 – 2013), and as Grand Jury Counsel for the First Circuit (2011 – 2012). - Souza contributed to state government as Chief of Staff to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii from 2006 to 2010, and also held roles as Deputy Chief of Staff and General Counsel in the same office - After graduating from The University of Hawaii – William S. Richardson School of Law in 1997, Judge Souza worked as an associate litigation attorney with McCorriston Miho Miller Mukai, and as a Deputy Public Defender. - Circuit Court Judge, Hawaii Circuit Court, First Circuit ### Education - Bachelor of Arts degree from Brigham Young University and later obtained his Juris Doctor from the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa in 1997. ### Additional information - In February 2013, Souza was selected as a District Family Court Judge of the First Circuit, where he presided over cases involving divorce, custody, child support, adoption, juvenile law, and adult criminal trials. - He graduated from the William S. Richardson School of Law in 1997, held a position as an associate litigation attorney at McCorriston Miho Miller Mukai and as a deputy public defender, and held the role of chief of staff to the lieutenant governor from 2006 to 2010. - Souza later established The Law Offices of Kevin A. Souza - focusing on criminal defense and family law matters. - After law school, Souza began his career as a Deputy Public Defender - representing clients in criminal cases. - Judge Kevin A. Souza combines extensive legal practice, public service, and judicial experience. - He then served as an associate litigation attorney with McCorriston Miho Miller Mukai, gaining experience in civil litigation. - His public service experience complemented his legal expertise and prepared him for judicial responsibilities - His education laid the foundation for a career spanning private practice, public service, and judicial roles - His career highlights include private practice in criminal and family law, service as a Family Court judge, and his current role as a Circuit Court judge, demonstrating a strong record of professional competence and dedication to justice - His judicial work has been recognized for diligence, integrity, and competence, with support from the Hawaii State Bar Association and community members - He earlier operated the Law Offices of Kevin A. Souza, with a focus on criminal and family matters. ## 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/judge-kevin-a-souza) - [Official roster](https://www.courts.state.hi.us/judge-kevin-a-souza) - [Hawaii State Judiciary official judicial roster](https://www.courts.state.hi.us/judge-kevin-a-souza) - [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/judge-kevin-a-souza) ## JSON-LD ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/kevin-a-souza-circuit-court-judge-hawaii-circuit-court-first-circuit-hi", "url": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/kevin-a-souza-circuit-court-judge-hawaii-circuit-court-first-circuit-hi", "name": "Kevin A. 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