Thomas A.K. Haia at a glance
- Current role
- District Court Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Hawaii · State
- Judicial service
- Active
- Term and retention
- Current term ends November 1, 2026
Thomas A.K. Haia
District Court Judge · Hawaii District Court, First Circuit
Biography
Professional career
- Appointed by Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald on September 11, 2020, to fill the vacancy created by the elevation of Judge Kevin A. Souza
- District Court Judge, Hawaii District Court, First Circuit
- He previously served as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for the County of Kauai
Education
- University of Hawaii William S
Additional information
- Judge of the Oʻahu First Circuit District Court of Hawaiʻi, appointed in 2020, and is currently seeking retention for an additional term through the Judicial Selection Commission
- Haia previously operated his own law firm and worked in private practice before joining the judiciary
- Oʻahu First Circuit District Court of Hawaiʻi in Honolulu County.
- Before his district court appointment, Haia was a per diem judge of the Oʻahu First Circuit Family Court and practiced law privately.
- The Judicial Selection Commission of Hawaiʻi will decide on his retention.
- He also served in legal roles for the County of Kauai
Applicable Court Rules & Procedures
Extended Coverage Notice
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.
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 ↗
Camera Microphone Placement
Statewide
Hawaii leaves courtroom camera and microphone placement to the judge and cautions that judges may differ on placement rules.
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 ↗
Sources
Identity source checked July 26, 2026.
Biography sources checked July 26, 2026.
Hawaii State Judiciary official judicial roster
Identity source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Hawaii State Judiciary official judicial roster ↗Cameras and Audio Equipment
Statewide source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Cameras and Audio Equipment ↗Remote Court Hearings via Zoom
Statewide source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Remote Court Hearings via Zoom ↗