---
title: "Kirsha K. M. Durante | KnowJudges"
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page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-10-07"
---

# Kirsha K. M. Durante

Hawaii District Court, First Circuit · District Court Judge

## Profile

- Court: Hawaii District Court, First Circuit
- State: Hawaii
- Role: District 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

- Sworn in: June 4, 2026, at Aliʻiōlani Hale, with Chief Justice Vladimir P. Devens administering the oath
- Kirsha Kaulukane Milianani Durante is a District Court Judge of the First Circuit (Oʻahu), Hawaiʻi, sworn in on June 4, 2026, following appointment by Acting Chief Justice Sabrina S. McKenna and confirmation by the Hawaiʻi State Senate
- Kirsha Kaulukane Milianani Durante was appointed to the First Circuit District Court by Acting Chief Justice Sabrina S. McKenna in March 2026, subject to Senate confirmation
- District Court Judge, Hawaii District Court, First Circuit
- Current position: Judge, District Court of the First Circuit (Oʻahu)
- Earlier she was a Honolulu deputy public defender and law clerk to First Circuit Judge Marcia Waldorf
- Her practice included civil and criminal matters, administrative and environmental law, complex litigation, land use, Native Hawaiian rights, land claims, trusts and contracts

### Education


### Additional information

- Litigation director at Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation, and there she worked since 2021.
- She graduated from William S. Richardson School of Law and was admitted to the Hawaii bar in 2004.

## 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.courts.state.hi.us](https://www.courts.state.hi.us/news_and_reports/2026/03/acting-chief-justice-appoints-district-court-judges)
- [Hawaii State Judiciary judicial profile or roster](https://www.courts.state.hi.us/general_information/contact/judges_phone_listing_1c)

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