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title: "Stephanie R.S. Char | KnowJudges"
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# Stephanie R.S. Char

Hawaii Circuit Court, Fifth Circuit · Circuit Court Judge

## Profile

- Court: Hawaii Circuit Court, Fifth 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 newly appointed Circuit Court Judge for the Fifth Circuit (Kauaʻi), Hawaii, subject to confirmation by the Hawaiʻi State Senate
- Char said she is “humbly honored” and committed to “administering justice fairly, thoughtfully and with respect for the rule of law and the people of Kauaʻi”
- Prior to her judicial service, Char served as a deputy public defender on Oʻahu and Kauaʻi and later as supervising deputy public defender for the Kauaʻi office.

### Education

- University of San Diego School of Law — J.D. (2003)
- in Communication and Philosophy — University of Denver — B.A.

### Additional information

- On February 2, 2026, Governor Josh Green announced Char’s appointment to replace retired Judge Kathleen N.A. Watanabe, who stepped down in August 2025.
- Joined that role in 2020 and confirmed by the Senate Governor of Hawaii.
- Currently a District/Family Court Judge for the Fifth Circuit, presiding over civil, criminal, and family cases Governor of Hawaii.

## 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_5c)
- [Official roster](https://www.courts.state.hi.us/general_information/contact/judges_phone_listing_5c)
- [Hawaii State Judiciary official judicial roster](https://www.courts.state.hi.us/general_information/contact/judges_phone_listing_5c)
- [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_5c)

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