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title: "Taryn R. Tomasa | KnowJudges"
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# Taryn R. Tomasa

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 in Hawai‘i, sworn in August 2025 for a ten‐year term, with a career rooted in public defense and legal advocacy
- Officially sworn in on August 12, 2025 alongside Judges Karen Nakasone and Karin Holma, in a ceremony led by Hawai‘i Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald
- 2024–2025: District Court Supervisor, then Appellate Section Supervisor again She also had a brief stint in private practice before returning to OPD
- Judge Tomasa most recently served as supervising attorney at the Office of the Public Defender
- Circuit Court Judge, Hawaii Circuit Court, First Circuit
- Circuit Court Judge in the First Circuit (Oʻahu) of the Hawai‘i Circuit Court

### Education

- University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s William S
- William S. Richardson School of Law, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa (Law Degree).

### Additional information

- Recognized for her zealous advocacy, legal skill, and mentorship of younger attorneys
- Her work has included appearances before district, family, circuit, and appellate courts, as well as the Hawai‘i Paroling Authority and the Legislature.

## 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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